In March 2025, the Nebraska Blue Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), awarded a three-year $600,000 grant to Project Access, a Health Center Association of Nebraska (HCAN) program that supports the seven Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the state.

FQHCs, also known as community health centers, are non-profit, community-directed outpatient medical clinics. They serve as a cornerstone for the health and vitality of the communities they serve by providing expansive primary health care to over 123,000 Nebraskans annually. Of these patients served, 33% were uninsured, 73% had incomes at or below 200% poverty levels and 44% had incomes at or below 100% poverty levels.

The Nebraska Blue Foundation’s investment in Project Access specifically supports Nebraska’s four rural health centers as they work to expand access to primary care, behavioral health, dental care and pharmacy services. The four health centers include: Community Action Health Center in Gering, Good Neighbor Community Health Center in Columbus, Heartland Health Center in Grand Island and Midtown Health Center in Norfolk.

“Rural community members can face unique challenges in accessing care,” Jay Warren-Teamer, executive director of the Nebraska Blue Foundation and community and strategic engagement leader at BCBSNE, said. “This investment in Project Access helps open doors for those who need it most, ensuring that no matter your ZIP code, you have a path to care that supports your healthiest future.”

Throughout 2025, the rural health centers focused on increasing patient access by addressing provider shortages, improving clinic operations, expanding physical and technological capacity and strengthening the health center workforce pipeline. Specifically, this funding aided rural providers with state loan repayment match contributions and competitive sign-on bonuses, supported projects to lower patient no-show rates, expanded waiting rooms and physical exam spaces and supported the purchasing of new equipment to enhance care and minimize referrals.

“2025 was a year of unprecedented demands, shifting dynamics and adaptation. Changes at the state and federal level, ongoing workforce and financial challenges and moments of disruption made any progress feel fragile. Yet, Nebraska’s health centers never wavered. They remained focused on ensuring access to high quality, comprehensive health care in the communities they serve,” Amy Behnke, HCAN’s CEO, said. “Partners like the Nebraska Blue Foundation make this work possible. We look forward to seeing how these dollars will continue to support the vast health care access needs across rural Nebraska.”

March 2026 begins the second year of the Nebraska Blue Foundation’s investment in Project Access. HCAN’s annual Project Access Impact Report will be made available via their website later this month. To learn more about Project Access, please visit: HCANebraska.org/Page/ProjectAccess.

Learn more about the Nebraska Blue Foundation at NebraskaBlue.com/Foundation.