Our approach

The commitment to racial and health equity is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. And the pillars of our approach and strategy – embed, partner, transform – provide the foundation for that commitment in order to heal. By embedding equitable practices into our business operations, fostering meaningful partnerships, transforming systemic policies, and initiating healing dialogues, we can create a future where all individuals thrive in fairness and health.

 

EMBED

Make racial and health equity central to ‘how we do business.’

Integrating racial and health equity into the core of Blue Cross business operations is not merely a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity. By prioritizing equity in our structures, policies, and practices we not only enhance our social responsibility but also unlock new pathways for innovation and growth. By ensuring that diverse voices are represented at every level—from leadership to frontline associates—we can better understand and meet the needs of the communities we serve. This inclusive approach leads to the development of products and services that cater to a wider audience, ultimately fostering a more equitable market landscape.

Moreover, prioritizing racial and health equity within our business allows us to address systemic racism across Minnesota and Tribal Nations. We can implement targeted health initiatives, promoting wellness programs and services that are accessible and culturally relevant. By investing in community partnerships, we can contribute to healthier environments, which in turn boosts associate well-being, productivity, and loyalty. This commitment to equity not only improves health outcomes but also enhance relationships and trust creating greater sustainable for long-term positive change.

To genuinely embed racial and health equity into ‘how we do business,’ we’ve adopted a framework of accountability and transparency. This includes setting measurable goals, regularly assessing progress, and being open about both successes and challenges. Our associates will continually be empowered and trained to recognize and combat biases, fostering an organizational culture that values equity and belonging as a fundamental aspects of the workplace and community engagement. By embracing these principles, the Center for Racial and Health Equity can lead the charge in creating a more just and liberated society.

 

PARTNER

Foster strategic relationships and mobilize community support.

Fostering strategic relationships and mobilizing community support are essential components for advancing racial and health equity within the community. Building strong partnerships with local organizations, communities, businesses, and stakeholders allows for the pooling of resources, knowledge, and expertise, ultimately leading to more effective initiatives. These relationships create a network of support that can enhance the impact of community programs, providing a solid foundation for collaborative efforts. When Blue Cross collaborates to work toward common goals, we can leverage each other’s strengths, maximize outreach, and amplify the voices of the communities we serve.

Moreover, engaging with the community is crucial for understanding its unique needs and challenges. Listening to community members and involving them in the decision-making process not only fosters a sense of ownership but also cultivates a culture of inclusivity and participation. By mobilizing support from the community, organizations can tap into the collective energy and passion that drives grassroots movements. This engagement leads to increased volunteerism, funding opportunities, and a shared commitment to addressing local issues. Strategic relationships, combined with robust community support, create a powerful collaboration that empowers communities to initiate and sustain impactful change, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and resilient society.

 

TRANSFORM

Drive policy and systems change to address bias and inequity.

Addressing bias and inequity requires a comprehensive approach that involves driving policy and systems change at multiple levels. At the heart of this initiative is the recognition that existing policies often perpetuate inequities rather than mitigate them. To effect meaningful change, The Center for Racial and Health Equity seeks to engage in a collaborative process that involves affected communities, policymakers, and experts in equity. This involves analyzing current systems—whether in healthcare, food systems, or the commercial tobacco industry—identifying areas where bias manifests, and creating targeted interventions that dismantle these inequities.

Furthermore, driving this change demands robust advocacy and grassroots mobilization. Communities must be empowered to voice their experiences and needs, ensuring that policies are not just top-down dictates but reflect the realities of those they are meant to serve. Collaboration among government agencies, nonprofits, and private sector partners is essential in building a unified front against bias and inequity. Ultimately, the goal is to create systems that uphold justice and fairness, where every individual has an equitable opportunity to thrive, irrespective of their background.

 

HEAL

Acknowledge our role in the system, creating authentic change to heal racial and health inequities.

Acknowledging our role in the system is crucial for fostering authentic change and healing the deep-rooted racial and health inequities that continue to pervade our society. We recognize that Blue Cross plays a part in an interconnected web of social, economic, and political structures that either perpetuate inequities or serve as catalysts for transformation. By recognizing our position, we can better understand how our actions contribute to existing inequities. This self-awareness empowers us as an organization to challenge systemic barriers, amplify marginalized voices, and advocate for policies that promote equity and justice.

Creating authentic change requires a collective commitment to dismantling the systemic racism and discrimination that have long plagued our healthcare systems and broader communities. This involves not only reshaping our organizational practices and policies but also engaging in difficult conversations about privilege, power, and accountability. We must listen actively to the experiences of those most affected by inequities and elevate their insights as vital to our efforts. By partnering with impacted communities, we can co-design initiatives that address the root causes of racial and health inequities and foster environments conducive to healing.

Healing racial and health inequities is not a one-time effort but an ongoing journey that demands persistence, humility, and resilience. Acknowledging our role in the system is the first step toward leveraging our collective strengths to create sustainable change. As we work together to champion inclusive practices, provide equitable access to resources, and strive for systemic reform, we cultivate a healthier, more just society for everyone. It is only through this concerted effort that we can begin to heal the wounds of historical injustices and pave the way for future generations to thrive in a world free from inequities.