The United Way of the Big Bend (UWBB) announced it has been awarded an $80,000 grant from Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer. The grant and partnership with Florida Blue is focused on program partners in the Big Bend eight-county region who are working to provide services in the COVID-19 environment to improve food security, rent and utility assistance, and senior assistance including wellness checks.
“Our United Way of the Big Bend is greatly appreciative to Florida Blue for its commitment to our community by providing this significant partnership with our UWBB. These efforts will be a long-term recovery for our neighbors and those living in poverty or at the edge of poverty. We anticipate these numbers increasing as we feel the impacts of COVID-19,” said Berneice Cox, president and CEO of the United Way of the Big Bend. “We know that life after a national pandemic will return to a new normal, but the effects will be felt for some time. United Way of the Big Bend stands committed to serve during this great time of need.”
Florida Blue North Florida Market President Darnell Smith concurred. “The health and well-being of our seniors and other vulnerable populations is a top priority. It is imperative for them to have access to food, rent and utility assistance, wellness checks and other essentials,” he said. “Florida Blue is driven by its mission to help people and communities achieve better health. We are committed to working with our community partners across north Florida to ensure they continue their critical work of caring for and supporting our neighbors in need.”
For more information about United Way or how you can help, please call (850) 414-0855 or visit www.uwbb.org.
