Independence Blue Cross Foundation

The mental health of America’s students continues to be a priority for parents, teachers, school administrators, and healthcare professionals. But many children still face obstacles in accessing the care they need.     This episode of our Making Change Happen docuseries highlights our efforts to address this issue through the IBX Foundation-funded Philadelphia school-based mental health initiative with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), piloted at Girard College. This initiative is fostering greater health equity while positively influencing the well-being of our city's students.     At the center of this episode is Tyler Frisby, a recent Girard College graduate. Tyler shares how his experience with the program and connection with Isha George, LCSW, helped him navigate a challenging and traumatic time in his life. This episode also features Schehera Coleman Ph.D., Clinical Director of School-Based Mental Health Programs at CHOP, and Tony B. Watlington Sr., Ed.D. Superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia, who acknowledge this program’s value in destigmatizing mental health care and improving outcomes for students.   🏫 The Foundation is excited to announce the expansion of this program to two additional schools during the 2024-2025 year!  💫 

The IBX Foundation is committed to Making Change Happen. And today, you have an important role in determining the change you want to see. Voter turnout soars during presidential elections, but participation in off-cycle local elections tends to be light, even though these elections have great impacts on communities. Make a plan to vote today, but don’t wait another four years to make your voice heard. #ElectionDay A nonpartisan interactive voter guide is available at https://lnkd.in/eVarmPme.

IBX Foundation team members laced up their sneakers along with thousands of community members in support of the Philadelphia Heart Walk. ❤ This annual event helps the American Heart Association support research, training, and education to improve the health and quality of life for people with heart disease. #PhillyHeartWalk

Every voice matters, including yours! 🗣 Support the development of Pennsylvania’s maternal health strategic plan by completing the “Maternal Health in Pennsylvania: Your Voice Matters!” survey. Survey responses help inform Pennsylvania’s maternal health strategic plan aimed at improving maternal health outcomes across the state. The survey collects information about what individuals experience and their needs before, during, and after a pregnancy, or when receiving maternal health care in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services , the PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department are seeking feedback from Pennsylvanians before the survey closes on November 4.  #maternalhealth #pennsylvania

Congratulations to the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on bringing together an impressive group of inspiring speakers to explore the future of the health care workforce, which is a national imperative, at its recent “Catalyzing Change” event. The urgency to solve the future health care workforce is reinforced by national trends including the increase in the aging population and a projected shortage of nurses, doctors, and other health professionals to care for all of us. That’s why we must sustain the progress made through successful workforce and equity initiatives to grow and diversify the health care workforce — and improve health care access, delivery, and outcomes. #HealthCare #HealthEquity #HealthProfessionals

We are proud to support Harcum College's peer support program for students in #recovery. This initiative aims to foster an inclusive environment for students who identify as being in recovery by providing a safe space and essential resources to support their ongoing success and well-being during their recovery journey. 🏫   🔍 Discover IBX Foundation's areas of impact: https://lnkd.in/eZFp_Pzx

Last week, local and national leaders at the intersection of business, healthcare, government, and education met in Philadelphia for “Catalyzing Change,” an IBX Foundation Health Equity and Health Workforce Event.     Internationally-renowned physicians, published authors, esteemed community change-makers, and C-suite leadership from some of the region’s most prestigious healthcare providers took the stage to discuss the future of the health workforce and innovative strategies and solutions that will increase opportunity and advance health equity for all.    We thank our sponsors, speakers, moderators, and attendees. Together, we are making meaningful advances toward our shared goal of creating a more equitable health care system for all.

Thank you MONTCO.Today for featuring the IBX Foundation's work within our Service Scholars Program. We have and continue our commitment to diversifying and improving educational opportunities for veterans entering the nursing field. 🩺 Learn more about this initiative visit: https://lnkd.in/ey5hgee4

🎉 “Catalyzing Change,” an Independence Blue Cross Foundation Health Equity and Health Workforce Event was a tremendous success! Thank you to our moderators, speakers, sponsors, and attendees for your participation. Your involvement made this event memorable, informative, and thought-provoking.     We continue to be inspired by the meaningful work that you and our partners are doing locally, nationally, and globally to create positive, sustainable progress toward a more equitable advancement of healthcare for all. We are proud to work with so many forward-thinking pioneers who are Catalyzing Change! 

On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we recognize that many children experience stress, depression, anxiety, and trauma. In Philadelphia, only 22% of school students get the mental health care they need.   To help address this care gap, we’ve collaborated with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to improve access to care through the Philadelphia school-based mental health initiative.   The latest video in our Making Change Happen docuseries focuses on how this program, piloted with Girard College, is positively influencing student outcomes. You'll hear from Tyler, a recent Girard College graduate, and Isha George, LCSW at CHOP. Tyler shares how Isha helped him navigate a very emotional time when he was a student.   Detailed information about the scope and impact of this important initiative can be found in the IBX Foundation’s recent report, “Improving Access to Care through School-based Mental Health Programs”. 👇