Independence Blue Cross Foundation

September is National #SuicidePreventionMonth. As part of the Philadelphia School-based Mental Health Initiative funded by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Girard College staff are better able to identify students who may be experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, or depression.   Our collaboration with Girard College and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has resulted in community-centered mental health services that meet students where they are, in a supportive on-campus environment.   This program shows that increased access to mental health care and reduced stigma are vital to improving the well-being of young people. Learn more by clicking the article below. 👇   If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988. The 988 Lifeline is there 24/7 to provide live, one-on-one support and resources. You are not alone. ☎

🚨 GRANT FUNDING NOW AVAILABLE! 🚨   This #NationalRecoveryMonth, The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) announced a new funding opportunity to expand drop-in center services for individuals impacted by substance use disorder (#SUD).     🗓 Deadline to apply is October 11, 2024. To learn more about eligibility, DDAP, and more check out their post below!    #Grant #HealthEquity #RecoverySupport #Pennsylvania

Living with sickle cell disease presents substantial challenges and significantly impacts the daily lives of affected individuals. The Crescent Foundation, is dedicated to providing patients and families with the necessary resources not only to face their challenges but also thrive in their day to day lives.   The Crescent Foundation invites you to the Sickle Cell Superheroes Soirée, an event honoring the heroic journeys of those living with sickle cell disease. The evening is sure to be an inspiring and educational event. #SickleCellAwarenessMonth   🎟📅 For tickets and more information visit: https://lnkd.in/g-5r3hqM

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!