Independence Blue Cross Foundation

On World Suicide Prevention Day, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) is encouraging all of us to work together to change the narrative on suicide. Changing the narrative on suicide requires systemic change. It's about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness and understanding, where everyone has the support they need to get the help that works for them. If you or anyone you know is in distress, you are not alone. Call the 988 Lifeline for help. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

As college students return to campus for the fall semester, it’s worth noting that nearly two in five undergraduates meet the criteria for substance use disorder. On #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay, we acknowledge the positive impacts of collegiate recovery programs and are proud to support these programs at local colleges and universities. As part of our Making Change Happen video series, learn how Saint Joseph's University has pioneered a successful, stigma-free, on-campus recovery program that meets students where they are, with dedicated housing, resources, and support groups that empower students to pursue active treatment.

August is #SummerSunSafety month. ☀ You might know that non-Hispanic whites make up the majority of people diagnosed with skin cancer. But did you know that Black and Hispanic people who are diagnosed with the disease tend to have poorer health outcomes because they are often diagnosed at much later stages, when skin cancer can be harder to treat? Talk to your doctor about your skin cancer risk, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer or moles that itch, bleed, hurt, or are discolored. An annual skin screening can help reduce your skin cancer risk. Screening is painless and takes about 15 minutes. A dermatologist will look at your skin and identify any moles that might be suspicious. Regular screenings can help reduce the risk for skin cancer and improve health outcomes in all patient populations. 😎

The makeup of our healthcare workforce isn’t quite keeping pace with the changing demographics of our communities. This gap in representation has contributed to health disparities across the U.S., highlighting the important need for a workforce that truly mirrors the population and is more attuned to different cultures.   Dr. Iris Reyes, a Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the founder and faculty advisor for the Alliance for Minority Physicians (AMP), recently engaged in a conversation with WURD Radio to highlight AMP's mission, which focuses on addressing disparities within the medical profession. The IBX Foundation is proud to support AMP’s work to provide mentorship and support to medical students from underrepresented backgrounds throughout the city, fostering successful leadership pathways in the field of medicine.   Listen to the full interview now! 🎧

Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC) is seeking Southwest Philly residents and business owners, to discuss the impact of the Philadelphia Streetlight Improvement Project (PSIP) on neighborhood safety and unity. 📅 Date and Time: Thursday, August 29, 2024 | 5:00PM - 6:30PM  📍  Location: near 52nd & Woodland Ave. (location will be disclosed to selected participants) ✅ Eligibility: Must be 18+ and a resident or business owner in Southwest Philly (Kingsessing, Elmwood) ⭐ Incentive: $25 VISA Gift Card for all focus group participants.   If you or someone you know are interested in participating, please complete the pre-screening questionnaire here: https://lnkd.in/eEfsAAMn   For any questions, please call 215-851-1937 ☎   Share this post with Southwest Philadelphia business owners and locals!

"Our Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. We do that through collaboration and relationships. We seek opportunities that address healthcare challenges in southeastern Pennsylvania with a laser focus on access and equity." Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President of the IBX Foundation, recently spoke with Authority Magazine about our mission to positively impact change through programs that prioritize the needs of our community. She also shared five tips for starting a successful nonprofit.   Read the full story here 👇

Today, we celebrate #NationalNonprofitDay! We are proud to acknowledge the many local nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping us advance our shared mission of securing more equitable health care for all. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to strengthen our communities. Your hard work is making a difference!

This year, we’re recognizing a 20-year milestone for the IBX Foundation Nursing Internship Program which began with Independence Blue Cross. And we’re acknowledging the dedication of the eleven students participating in this year’s program. Throughout the summer, these students have worked at local health centers and learned valuable leadership skills from change-makers at the intersection of health care and community service.   At last week’s recognition ceremony, Greg Deavens, CEO at Independence Blue Cross, Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President of the IBX Foundation; Heather Major, Executive Director of the IBX Foundation; David Moore MBA, MA, Director of Foundation Initiatives at the IBX Foundation; and Marlene Harmon-Perkins, IBX Foundation Senior Program Specialist, joined Jeffrey Salvatore MSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, VP, Community Impact at the American Heart Association and LeRai Carter Martin, EdD, MSN, RN, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing to shine a light on our interns, who, in turn, shared their thoughts and reflections about their internship experience and plans for the future. To our interns, thank you for bringing your energy, excitement, and enthusiasm in the service of advancing the health and well-being of our communities this summer!

Our Service Scholars program was recently featured in Stars and Stripes, an online and print publication that provides news to the U.S. military community. Co-authored by IBX Foundation Executive Director @Heather Major and Marie Ann Marino, EdD, RN, FAAN, Professor and Dean of Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing, the article highlights how our Service Scholars program is growing the health care workforce by providing financial and mentoring support to veterans pursuing nursing careers. https://lnkd.in/ehFMWQFx

Local college and university campuses are preparing for the upcoming fall semester. For military veterans working towards an undergraduate degree in nursing, our first-of-its-kind Service Scholars Program is accelerating educational opportunities. Learn more about how we are working with Thomas Jefferson University to support veterans as they pursue a new career path infused with leadership, purpose, and service. https://lnkd.in/eYH8-EEa