Impacting Vermont Communities

We are the state’s only local, nonprofit health plan, providing coverage for more than one third of Vermonters. Formore than 40 years, we’ve been focused on making reliable, high-quality health care work better for our friends and neighbors across the state. Our trusted advice helps members navigate the complex health system so they can get the care they need.

We believe that building a healthy Vermont starts by rolling up our sleeves and giving back to the communities we serve every day. We are dedicated to building healthy communities through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations and through education, events, and wellness programs. We’re continuously working to strengthen Vermont’s health care system by advocating for individuals’ access to the care they need, developing innovative programs and services, and partnering with providers to improve quality and increase access to care.

More than 400 of us live and work here – we’re Vermonters making health care work better for Vermonters. We are proud of our meaningful impact on the communities we live in and serve.

Creating Healthy Communities

Signature Events

Throughout the year, we host our four signature events, all designed to encourage Vermonters to appreciate this beautiful place we live in. We encourage activities that strengthen mental and physical wellness by being active outdoors with family and friends. Events include Mountain Days in the spring, Hike Bike, & Paddle in the summer, Apple Days in the fall, and Snow Days in the winter.

• In 2022, we were able to return to in-person events. For our Mountain Days event, we hosted virtual and in-person events, with more than 75 participants joining the in-person hike.
• Our annual Hike, Bike & Paddle event had more than 325 people share their photos with us, highlighting their adventures with families and friends enjoying the great outdoors in Vermont.
• In 2022, we put more than 1,200 pecks of apples in Vermonters' hands from 11 participating orchards during Apple Days – that’s approximately 12,000 pounds of apples that found their way into your homes and kitchens.
• For Snow Days 2023, we partnered with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, donating $5 for every photo submitted of Vermonters enjoying being active outside. We were able to donate $1,000 through the participation of Vermonters.

Partnerships and Corporate Giving

It takes a village to build healthy communities. By working together with other nonprofit organizations, we can spark awareness and make impactful, lasting change for Vermonters. All of this work creates a healthier Vermont. Throughout the course of the year, we support dozens of locally-based nonprofit community organizations by providing financial contributions, in-kind services, and volunteer support from our “Blue Crew” of employees who give their time to support these special causes.  A few programs and groups we support include:

• The Listen Up! Project was an original touring musical inspired, written, scored, and performed by Vermont youth. We sponsored this project to give youth a safe space to talk about their experiences and perspectives regarding family life, diversity and inclusion, mental health, anxiety, gender identity, and substance use – any and all of which have a profound impact on their individual health and well-being. The musical production had more than 800 Vermont youth statewide who bravely and openly shared their challenges. A Listen Up! film of the production was also screened at 33 schools, 21 communities. Conferences and workshops will continue in schools and clubs that will support these courageous conversations for years to come.
• Girls on the Run Vermont is a nonprofit organization promoting self-esteem and healthy activity for young people who identify as women in grades 3-8. Their coaches use activities and group discussions to build social, emotional, and physical skills. We continue to be a statewide sponsor of Girls on the Run Vermont and several of our employees volunteer at Girls on the Run events.
• Wellness Revolution is a program for those who identify as women who want to make bicycling part of their wellness journey. Whether a beginning rider or an intermediate cyclist, Wellness Revolution helps build cycling into the lives of participants. Programs offered throughout the state help participants through all aspects of cycling, from basic bike maintenance and repairs to physical body conditioning and mindfulness. Nearly 60 women were part of the program in 2022, helping them gain confidence on the road.
• Physical activity grants provide small grants to elementary schools for creative programming ranging from swimming to developing a winter sports gear lending library.
• Vermont Caring for Children Foundation (VCCF) was created by Blue Cross Vermont. VCCF is a charitable nonprofit foundation to advance and improve health-related programs that benefit children and youth in Vermont. VCCF supports local nonprofit community organizations through financial contributions, in-kind services, and volunteer support.

Blue Crew Volunteers

Through our Blue Crew Day of Service program, our employees receive eight hours of time off from work each year to volunteer as an individual or with a group of other employees in support of a charitable organization. Our Blue Crew volunteer team also represents Blue Cross Vermont at events, deepening community engagement and boosting morale. We focus our support on those events and programs that best align with our mission to positively impact the health of Vermonters.

Community Advisory Boards

We continue to support three Community Advisory Boards around the state: the Windham County Community Advisory Board, the Northeast Kingdom Community Advisory Board, and the Rutland County Community Advisory Board. These boards strengthen our connections to Vermont communities and our community board members help us to direct funding toward important programming and events that address key health concerns. These boards have proven to be fertile ground for pilot programs and mini grants that work to address the social determinants of health.  

Across our state, we strive to build health and wellness into every season. By shifting perspectives on healthy living, we build stronger, more resilient communities. Learn more about our community events and programs.