Healthy Kids, Healthy Families^®

Our statewide presence gives us a unique perspective on the populations and regions that can be uplifted by strategic, targeted and focused investments. Over the last several years through our collaborative work in the communities we serve, overwhelming evidence has pointed us to two disease states impacting the health and wellness of millions of Texans: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Therefore, we've partnered with several organizations across the state to help prevent and manage these two disease conditions and their effect on Texas communities. Our partners make an impact by providing kidney and lung screenings, educational seminars, nutrition classes and other services that improve overall health outcomes.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

According to the American Lung Association, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. The disease, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is increasingly common, affecting millions of Americans. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., and an estimated 5.5% of Texans suffer from the disease. Many with COPD go undiagnosed and enter the health care system in crisis and at an advanced stage, according to BCBSTX claims data.

To address the prevalence of COPD in Texas, our HKHF grants support organizations that promote lung health, including smoking cessation.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) also called chronic kidney failure, describes the gradual loss of kidney function. According to the National Institutes of Health, the main risk factors for developing kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and a family history of kidney failure.

The prevalence of diabetes has exploded to epidemic levels in the U.S. with more than 29 million Americans living with the disease. An estimated 11% of Texans are diabetic. According to BCBSTX claims data, diabetics are developing chronic complications such as CKD at an alarming rate.

Our HKHF grants support organizations that help detect CKD at an early stage. Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.

To apply for an HKHF grant, please visit our Apply for Funding page.

Aligned with our Affordability Cures^SM endeavor, BCBSTX is teaming up with Feeding America^® to combat food insecurity through a focused, whole-person approach. According to the United States Department of Agriculture , there are more than 4.2 million food insecure people in Texas, and 1 in 7 households struggles to put food on the table.

Our collaboration with Feeding America builds on BCBSTX’s longstanding efforts to help members and communities be at their best. We’ve supported local food banks and organizations for nearly 10 years. In 2017 alone, our community partners distributed more than 1.3 million pounds of food, benefitting more than 660,000 Texans.

To reach our goal of eliminating food insecurity and removing barriers to adequate nutrition, we are partnering with 15 food banks:

BCBSTX and KaBOOM! believe all kids deserve childhoods filled with active play. KaBOOM! is the national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids the childhoods they deserve through safe places to play. Since 2011, BCBSTX has worked with KaBOOM! to rally more than 7,200 volunteers to help create 38 new play spaces, which give more than 152,000 kids a place to swing, slide, leap and play. Together we lead the all-volunteer planning, design and hands-on construction of new community playgrounds, designed by kids and built with local families.

We’re working to get kids physically active with Imagination Playground, a ground-breaking pop-up playground design with uniquely shaped foam blocks and loose parts that help kids play creatively. With the addition of shade structures to 34 Texas playgrounds, we’re helping kids and families have more sun-safe access to great places to play.