Sponsor Spotlight on Highmark Inc.
2/26/2010
As one of the leading health insurers in Pennsylvania, Highmark Inc.’s mission is to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Based in Pittsburgh, Highmark serves 3.2 million people in Western Pa. through the company’s health care benefits business, and it provides the resources to give its members a greater hand in their health.
For more than 70 years, Highmark's commitment to the community has consistently been among its highest priorities. The company strives to positively impact the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians through its strategic giving, community programming and employee volunteerism efforts.
Highmark supports programs that improve access to health care for underserved, underinsured or uninsured individuals; children’s health initiatives that combat the obesity epidemic; endeavors that foster stronger families and communities; and programs that are focused on prevention and wellness. In 2009, Highmark awarded more than $19.5 million through our corporate giving and the Highmark Foundation, a charitable foundation funded solely by Highmark, to support evidence-based programs that serve the vital health needs of the community.
And, it is no secret that the health and well-being of children is one of our core areas of focus.
In 2006, Highmark pledged $100 million to the Highmark Foundation to launch Highmark Healthy High 5, a five-year children’s health promotion initiative that is designed to improve the health of children and adolescents ages 6-18 by providing them with the tools and practices needed to make informed decisions about living healthier lives.
Highmark Healthy High 5 address five critical issues – nutrition, physical activity, self-esteem, bullying prevention and grieving – by working with educators, parents and non-profit leaders to reach children and adolescents at school, at home and within their communities.
Since 2007, Highmark has awarded more than $5.5 million to Pennsylvania schools for programs that improve nutrition education, enhance nutrition choices and provide opportunities for physical education through the Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge Grant Program.
Highmark also provides peer support services to children who have experienced the death of a loved one through the Highmark Caring Place, a Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and their Families. Research shows that one in 20 children will have a parent die before he or she graduates from high school. With locations in Pittsburgh, Erie, Lemoyne and Warrendale, Pa. the Caring Place has provided more than 8,000 children and adults with grief support services since it opened in 1997.
Highmark recognizes that children are our future and believe that their health and wellness is a top priority. To learn more about Highmark’s commitment to raising happier, healthier children, visit www.highmarkhealthyhigh5.org.