Which WNY nonprofits landed Blue Fund grants from Highmark this year?

It is the time of year when Western New York’s largest health plan unveils the latest grant recipients from its Blue Fund, which invests in area health initiatives.

This month, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York announced $2.65 million in Blue Fund grants for 17 health-based projects from nonprofit organizations across the eight-county region.

The annual Blue Fund grant program, launched in 2018, aims to improve health outcomes and equity in areas such as behavioral health, cardiovascular health, health care workforce development, healthy children and maternal health. Highmark said the Blue Fund’s total investment in Western New York has reached $19.6 million.

“The amazing organizations receiving Blue Fund grants this year have the ability to enact real change in minimizing the barriers to health that exist in all eight counties of Western New York,” said Michael Ball, vice president of community affairs at Highmark.

Grants ranged from $100,000 to $250,000. Here is a breakdown of the organizations that received 2023 grants.

Three organizations each received $250,000 grants:

The Foundations of Catholic Health received a grant for its Food Farmacy, a program that will connect food-insecure patients at risk for chronic heart disease with registered dietitians, access to healthy food and educational supports.

The Buffalo Urban League landed a grant to bolster minority women’s sense of empowerment through increased knowledge and advocacy for self and baby, as well as access to all aspects of maternal health.

And the Cattaraugus County Health Department got a boost for its Veggie Wheels: Rolling into Rural Communities, a mobile unit that will provide rural residents in the county with access to healthy food options, nutrition education and learning opportunities.

Four organizations received $200,000 grants, including the Massachusetts Avenue…