Blue Shield of California Foundation Awards $3.12 Million to Nonprofits Statewide

$200,000 Will Go to Tulare County Healthy Kids Program

San Francisco, May 17, 2006 – The Blue Shield of California Foundation today announced that it is making grants of $3.12 million to 14 nonprofit organizations that are working in California to increase access to health care, advance the use of medical and information technology, and combat domestic violence. Of the grants, $200,000 will go to First 5 Tulare County to help maintain health coverage for up to 180 children through the county’s Healthy Kids program.

Of the grant, $100,000 will be given directly to First 5 while the second $100,000 is in the form of a match to help leverage additional contributions to pay health care premiums for more children.

"Our partnership with local nonprofits strengthens the safety net for our state’s most vulnerable residents by increasing the quality and accessibility of health care and related services," said Crystal Hayling, president of the Blue Shield of California Foundation. "Giving uninsured families in Tulare County the ability to provide their children with low cost healthcare coverage is essential to improving overall community health."

The Healthy Kids program provides subsidized health care coverage for low-income children between the ages of six and 18.

The Blue Shield of California Foundation was formed by Blue Shield of California, a not-for-profit corporation with more than 3.3 million members, 4,500 employees and 20 offices throughout California. The Blue Shield of California Foundation provides charitable contributions, conducts research and supports programs with an emphasis on reducing the number of uninsured, using technology to promote health and preventing domestic violence. For more information, visit the Blue Shield of California website at www.mylifepath.com or the Foundation at www.blueshieldcafoundation.org.