Twenty-two nonprofit organizations have been chosen from a competitive pool of nearly 300 applicants
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has announced the recipients of its 2025 Health Equity Innovation Awards, an annual funding opportunity that supports nonprofit organizations working to eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes across upstate New York.
The selected organizations are leading efforts to close gaps in care through innovative, community-driven solutions tailored to the unique needs of the people they serve.
Twenty-two nonprofit organizations in the Rochester, Central New York/Southern Tier, and Utica/North Country regions were chosen from a competitive pool of nearly 300 applicants. Their proposals stood out for their creativity, measurable impact, and alignment with the shared goal of building healthier, more equitable communities.
Focus areas for funding in each region were strategically identified through community needs assessments, which helped pinpoint the most pressing health challenges and disparities affecting local populations.
For example, according to the Feeding America — Map the Meal Gap 2023 report, food insecurity is a growing concern across New York, affecting more than 2.8 million residents. Individuals facing food insecurity often rely on inexpensive, calorie-dense foods that lack nutritional value, contributing to higher rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. These patterns are especially prevalent in underserved communities where access to fresh produce and healthy food options is limited.
“We support these programs because they align with our mission to help people live healthier lives,” said physician Simone Edwards, vice president for health equity and community investments at Excellus BCBS. “By partnering with organizations that are deeply connected to their communities, we’re helping to create sustainable solutions that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
The Health Equity Innovation Awards will help advance a wide range of initiatives, including:
• Community-centered mental health and wellness programs
• Community-based chronic disease prevention and education
• Maternal and child health support services
• Food access and nutrition initiatives
• Workforce development and training in health-related fields
Utica region award recipients
• Bassett Medical Center – Bassett Cancer Institute partnership: Provides medically tailored meals to cancer patients in Otsego County, addressing food insecurity and improving health outcomes.
• Madison County Rural Health Council – Mental Health First Aid trainings: Offers evidence-based training for schools, community groups, and healthcare settings to identify and respond to mental health challenges, reducing stigma and improving access.
• Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees – Healthy Pathways nutrition program: Delivers culturally responsive nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, and strategies for healthy eating to 500 refugees and immigrants.
• St. Lawrence Health Foundation – Living in Balance: A peer-led initiative: Supports recovery from substance use through peer-led groups and the Living in Balance curriculum, helping participants build coping skills and resilience.
For the latest information on Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s ’s community investments and partnerships, visit ExcellusBCBS.com/community.