Blue Shield of California Foundation Awards Nearly $2 Million to 17 Organizations Throughout California

Ventura County Organization Receives $450,000, Bringing BSCF Contributions in County to $680,000 Over Two Years

SAN FRANCISCO, January 5, 2005 – The Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) today announced it will award nearly $2 million in grants to 17 nonprofit organizations throughout the state, including a domestic violence research project in Ventura County. The fourth-quarter grants bring BSCF's 2004 charitable contributions to almost $20 million, more than double the $8 million awarded in 2003.

PHFE Management Solutions will receive $450,000 over three years to evaluate the effectiveness of batterers intervention programs in Ventura County.

"Prevention and intervention are critical to break the cycle of violence," said Marianne Balin, program manager of Blue Shield Against Violence. "Abusive behavior is very hard to change. This study of batterers intervention programs will help us determine what works, helping families stay together and individuals to make positive change."

Since BSCF reinvigorated its charitable efforts in 2002, the foundation has awarded more than $27.5 million to 387 organizations statewide that combat domestic violence, improve health care access, and assess medical technologies that improve the health of individuals and communities. Such organizations in Ventura County have received more than $680,000 over the past two years.

"By focusing our efforts, we have the opportunity to promote positive changes in the health of our communities," said Crystal Hayling, president of BSCF. "The groups we've supported are vital to that health. Domestic violence not only affects individuals and families, it impacts our workplaces and communities. Our uninsured population continues to rise, while the health care facilities that serve the uninsured struggle to stay open. And, the promises of new health care technology are empty if the technologies are neither safe, nor effective."

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.