Change the narrative

Addressing implicit bias in reporting and increasing positive, accurate representations of BIPOC communities in mainstream media are integral to racial and health equity. Historically, news outlets have routinely perpetuated deficit-based narratives, particularly about BIPOC communities. Dominant narratives impact and reinforce mindsets, policies and systems that can perpetrate structural racism and result in continued inequities for marginalized communities.

Our communications and media outreach aims to change the dominant narrative on health, give voice to those most impacted by inequity, create greater understanding of why racial and health inequities exist, and challenge bias. This includes highlighting and centering the work we fund — and working to address structural and systemic racism within institutions that shape mainstream narratives on health.

Below you’ll find a few projects we support in an effort to change the narrative around health.

ThreeSixty Journalism

Since 2017, the Center for Prevention has supported ThreeSixty Journalism’s annual TV Broadcast Camp and News Reporter Academy. Participating students explored how racism, homophobia and social isolation contribute to mental health inequities in Minnesota and reported on community-led efforts to address mental health in our state. In partnership with ThreeSixty, Blue Cross is working to empower the next generation of journalists, change the dominant narrative on health, create a heathier future for coming generations and give a voice to those most impacted by racial and health inequities.

Learn more about the 2024 Multimedia Storytelling Camp

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Blue Cross partners with the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) creating public exhibitions of racial and health-equity themed artworks. Students from high schools in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Perpich Arts High School in Golden Valley, and the Performance Institute of Minnesota (PIM) were asked to reimagine a work in Mia’s collection under the lens of racism. Local Twin Cities BIPOC artists Kprecia Ambers, Nancy Ariza, Lissa Karpeh, Juan Lucero, Jacob Olson, and Akiko Ostlund, whose work is also on view, mentored the students during multiple visits to create powerful exhibitions. The students then used mixed media including paintings, drawings, and sculptures to express how racism impacts the health of their families and communities.

The partnership between professional artists and local high school students has been an impactful way to mobilize change and transform health in our state.

MinnPost

Blue Cross funded the second year of the racial and health equity reporting fellowship with MinnPost. Over 60 stories were published focused on the inequitable health outcomes faced by BIPOC communities in Minnesota. These stories increased the racial and health equity related stories in Minnesota totaling 23.9 million impressions, helping to change the dominant narratives on health in the media.

The Blue Cross fellowship journalist Ava Kian was recognized both nationally and locally for her outstanding coverage, winning a Salute to Excellence Award from the National Association of Black Journalists, and was named Young Journalist of the Year by the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists. Due to her success, Ava has transitioning to a permanent reporting position with MinnPost – working towards our goal of diversifying newsrooms. Her transition also opens the pipeline for the new fellow- Deanna Pistono to follow the same path. These things combined will serve to deeper embed racial and health equity understanding in the mainstream media landscape.