EDGELEY, N.D. – Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation has awarded Family Voices of North Dakota a $35,000 grant that will support coordination of care for families with special needs. The grant was awarded as a part of a SPARK grant that the BCBSND Caring Foundation offers to non-profit organizations.
Strengthening People, Access, Resources and Knowledge (SPARK) grants are awarded to community-based initiatives that encourage health and well-being in local communities, reflect community priorities and demonstrate strong local collaborations.
Family Voices of ND Inc. is a 501c3 organization that provides resource and support services to families of children and youth with special health care needs. The BCBSND Caring Foundation grant will support their family consultants to assist families 1:1 in navigation of a complex health system of care. They will be able to strengthen and expand activities in family engagement that are responsive to underrepresented populations, meet the needs of the adult learning styles, while at the same time assisting those whom do not have access to technologies due to socioeconomic status and/or living in a part of the state where this is not accessible.
Executive Director, Donene Feist shares, “As an organization, we have extensive experience with navigating the health care system through our seasoned staff whom have walked this path with lived experience and knowledge. This experience is used to provide support, resources, and training to families and professionals around health issues faced by children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities. We have witnessed many disparities for our families from culturally diverse backgrounds. Our major goal is to address these health inequities and provide assistance to families.”
“We are pleased to be able to support Family Voices of North Dakota and provide additional resources to ensure their clients have the information, connections and support needed in order to receive the services and care they need,” says Pam Gulleson, BCBSND Caring Foundation Executive Director.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation (www.BCBSND.com/Caring-Foundation) is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues that help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff work with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, collaborate on shared outcomes and create lasting change.
