CareFirst is committed to improving medical services to racial and ethnic groups experiencing higher rates of certain chronic diseases. Working with hospitals, physicians and communities groups, we are trying to increase patients’ involvement with treatment programs, and monitor long term changes in their health.

CareFirst is committed to supporting community-based organizations that promote healthy communities.

In 2004, our charitable donations totaled $2.3 million. And we’ll increase these investments in coming years.

The results can be seen in many areas:

Thanks to a $100,000 CareFirst grant to the Whitman-Walker clinic in Washington, D.C., two vans brought HIV/AIDS testing services to neighborhood residents.

Every time a Baltimore Orioles’ pitcher struck out a batter, CareFirst’s “K’s for Kids” program donated $25 to the American Cancer Society’s “Healthy Kids” program, a total of $25,000. And we donated $15,000 to the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs in areas served by Orioles’ minor league teams.

Delaware residents, along with those in Maryland, Washington and Northern Virginia, benefited from $489,000 in 12 grants to “Shape Up … Live Well” programs addressing the serious issue of obesity.

A not-for-profit company, CareFirst’s contribution to our communities is providing vital, affordable health insurance to our 3.3 million members. And we’re just as serious about our mission in supporting key charities.

Here are more examples:

• Contributed $1,000 for each Baltimore Ravens home game touchdown, a total of $33,000 to Health Care for the Homeless in Maryland.
• Supported the “Living Well With Cancer” information campaign in partnership with Washington Hospital Center and NBC4-TV.
• Sponsored 17 March of Dimes walks that raised more than $1 million to alleviate problems associated with premature births.
• Warned about signs of a stroke in TV announcements featuring CareFirst President and CEO Bill Jews, in cooperation with the American Heart Association.
• With our 6,000 associates in 2004, pledged $922,000 to United Way programs in five states and the District of Columbia.
• Granted $50,000 to the Greater Washington End of Life Partnership for hospice care and advocacy.
• Supported the health and fitness component of the Latino youth development program, Identity, Inc., donating $25,000.
• Supported through our Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware affiliate, a statewide conference on health disparities, an initiative launched by Delaware’s Lt. Governor John C. Carney, Jr. and the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League.