Blue Shield of California Foundation Awards More Than $16 Million to 301 California Nonprofit Organizations

Nearly $775,000 to Benefit 22 San Diego Area Organizations

San Francisco, October 3, 2005 – Expanding its commitment to the health and well-being of all Californians, the Blue Shield of California Foundation has awarded more than $16 million in grants to 301 organizations throughout the state, including $775,000 to benefit 22 San Diego area organizations.

"We are committed to supporting organizations throughout the state that exemplify the foundation's goals of increasing access to health care, improving the delivery of care through advances in medical and information technology, and preventing domestic violence," said Crystal Hayling, president of the Blue Shield of California Foundation.

One grant of $13,000 will go to the Whittier Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology to fund a study on the use of wireless technology for disease management. The foundation also is contributing $680,000 to 15 community clinics and $80,000 to six domestic violence shelters that often are strapped for cash to maintain operations. The awards include:

• $60,000 to Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo in Imperial County 
• $60,000 to Family Health Centers of San Diego 
• $60,000 to Neighborhood Healthcare in San Diego County 
• $60,000 to North County Health Services 
• $60,000 to Planned Parenthood of San Diego and Riverside Counties 
• $60,000 to the San Ysidro Health Center - Centro De Salud in San Diego County 
• $60,000 to the Vista Community Clinic in San Diego County 
• $40,000 to the Comprehensive Health Center in San Diego County 
• $40,000 to the Council of Community Clinics in San Diego County 
• $40,000 to San Diego Family Care - Linda Vista and Mid-City Community Clinics

"Domestic violence shelters and community health clinics are on the frontlines when it comes to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our state," Hayling said. "The general operating grants are to be used where they are needed most, whether that's to extend the hours of operation or purchase medicine."

The $16 million in statewide grants represent the largest combined amount awarded by the Blue Shield of California Foundation at one time and brings its giving to $22 million this year, with a total of $30 million expected to be awarded in 2005. The increased giving is the result of a recent effort to reinvigorate the foundation's philanthropic outreach. Grants in 2004 totaled $24 million, up significantly from the $8 million in grants in 2003.

Blue Shield of California Foundation was formed by Blue Shield of California, a not forprofit corporation with more than 3.2 million members, 4,300 employees and 20 offices throughout California. The Blue Shield of California Foundation provides charitable contributions, conducts research and supports programs with an emphasis on domestic violence prevention, medical technology assessment and reducing the number of uninsured. For more information, visit the Blue Shield of California Web site at www.mylifepath.com or the Foundation at www.blueshieldcafoundation.org.