Thanks to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, an Oakland University professor is conducting research into racial and ethnic disparities in the identification and treatment of depression. A Wayne State researcher is testing ways to encourage pregnant African-American women to become more physically active. The University of Michigan’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is fine-tuning prosthetics for amputees. These three programs represent a handful of the innovative projects funded by the foundation in 2016. “I’m very thankful for the opportunities we had to work with both our funding partners and our grant recipients last year,” said Audrey Harvey, executive director and CEO of the BCBSM Foundation. “Last year, we were able to give $2.3 million to programs that contribute to a healthier Michigan.” In 2016, the Foundation staff aimed to expand the organization's influence throughout Michigan. “For years, the Foundation’s influence was primarily concentrated within Southeast Michigan,” Harvey said. “However, with projects such as U.P. Wide Smiles, we are starting to expand our reach. We are committed to establishing a solid line of support for the communities of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.” Learn more about the Foundation’s philanthropy in the 2016 BCBSM Foundation Annual Report. To request a printed copy, send an email to foundation@bcbsm.com. For more background on the Foundation, visit their website. If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
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