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IBX Insights

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Without a doubt, 2020 has been — and continues to be — a really challenging year for all of us. Communities everywhere are struggling, and organizations of all kinds need support. But what can we do to help, while also minimizing the spread of COVID-19?

At Independence Blue Cross (Independence), we truly believe in giving back. Our associates are unmatched in their generosity and inspire us with their dedication to supporting the community. This year, we are the proud co-chairs for Blue Crew Gives, our annual associate giving campaign. Our 2020 theme, “The Power of You,” celebrates the idea that everyone has the power to make a difference. We are inviting our associates and their families to contribute their time, talent, and financial donations to the organizations they are most passionate about within their communities.  

As co-chairs, we hope to rally our associates’ boundless positive energy and goodwill in order to transcend what each of us could do alone. Now, more than ever, we need to band together to help support our most vulnerable communities. We are excited to see the powerful impact that investing our time and resources can make. Together, with all of you, we look forward to making a difference.

Blue Crew Gives Back

The Blue Crew, Independence’s associate volunteer program, is dedicated to providing associates with ways to volunteer their time for nonprofit organizations throughout the year. Even in the wake of Covid-19, the Blue Crew made a quick transition to virtual and remote volunteer projects. This year, as part of the Blue Crew Gives campaign, we will be launching our first ever Blue Crew Gives Back Day.

This signature volunteer opportunity will allow over 500 associates to get involved by donating their time and talent to support local nonprofit organizations — right from their homes! It consists of three projects, which will combine supply packing activities with guest speakers to address community issues including food insecurity, education readiness, and the isolation and loneliness of senior citizens. It is an opportunity for volunteers to come together in the spirit of giving back while addressing critical needs in our communities.

You have the power to give back too!

As the Blue Crew Gives campaign inspires our associates to give back, we hope you will join in. There are plenty of ways for you to get involved within your own community.

For example, you can:

  • Volunteer virtually for an organization that you’re passionate about. You’ll find plenty of options at Volunteer Match.
  • Contribute your own unique talents and skills. The Philadelphia Foundation can connect you with nonprofits in need of specialized competencies.
  • Make a financial donation of any amount — either one-time or recurring. You don’t have to give a lot to make a lasting impact!
  • Reach out to local organizations in your community and ask them what kind of help they need right now.

Making a change, together

The culture at Independence is anchored in improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and the Blue Crew is a perfect example of that. The Blue Crew Gives campaign is another opportunity for us to celebrate our associates’ passion for giving back. When we all pull together, we know we can make a positive and widespread impact. But inspiring change does not stop with Independence – everyone can make a difference. We invite you to pick a cause you care about and commit to doing something to support it. Even the smallest efforts can still make our community a better place!

 

Nicole Gold & Dr. Reetika Kumar

Nicole Gold has been with Independence since 2000 and is currently Vice President of Operations — Customer Service and Client Setups. She leads several Operations functions dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, customers, brokers, and providers. She also has responsibility for training, benefits testing, client setup, and implementation. Nicole is excited for her first year serving as co-chair for the Blue Crew Gives campaign.

Dr. Reetika Kumar has served as medical director and vice president of Clinical Services at Independence Health Group since 2017. Her expertise and commitment to improving the health of our members is focused on proven practices, evidenced-based medicine, and cost-effective health care delivery. Reetika is a mom of two amazing kids and stays active during the pandemic with the Peloton Female Physicians group.