Community healthcare
Investing in the health and well-being of all Minnesotans
Community health refers to the conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play — and how these conditions influence overall health and well-being. In Minnesota, factors beyond clinical care — including access to healthy foods, safe spaces for physical activity, stable housing, education, and strong social connections — play a critical role in shaping health outcomes.
Even though Minnesota consistently ranks among the healthiest states in the nation, key health indicators show that challenges remain. In 2025, Minnesota ranked 6th overall, yet 12.6% of adults report being in fair or poor health, and 9.7% live with multiple chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or depression. In addition, 23% of adults report no physical activity, a key factor linked to chronic disease and overall health.
Across Minnesota, community-based organizations, local partners, and public health systems work together to address these drivers of health. Efforts often focus on improving access to resources, strengthening local infrastructure, and supporting prevention strategies that help people live healthier lives. Collaboration between health care systems and community organizations is key to expanding access to services and improving quality of life.
Continued investment in community-driven solutions is essential to improving health outcomes, reducing gaps, and supporting the health and well-being of communities across Minnesota.
Current initiatives and programs
Improving health outcomes across Minnesota
At Blue Cross, we prioritize the health of all communities, and we are dedicated to eliminating barriers to health and addressing the issues driving poor health outcomes.
Community Health Fairs: By bringing services directly into communities, these efforts expand access to care in convenient and familiar settings. These fairs provide services such as health screenings, dental care, preventive services, vaccinations, and connections to additional support. These efforts are designed to reduce barriers to care and ensure people can access the services they need, regardless of insurance status.
Community Advisory Board (CAB): The Community Advisory Board (CAB) connects Blue Cross with community members and local leaders to better understand community priorities and inform solutions. Through ongoing engagement, CAB supports collaboration and helps identify key issues affecting health across communities.
Hennepin Healthcare Foundation Talent Garden: The Hennepin Healthcare Talent Garden program introduces youth to health care careers through mentorship, job shadowing, and hands-on learning experiences.
National Fitness Campaign: Blue Cross is working with the National Fitness Campaign to create 10 free outdoor Fitness Courts® for communities across Minnesota in an effort to increase access to physical activity and preventative care.
Angel Foundation: Blue Cross is collaborating with the Angel Foundation, which provides relief to adults with cancer and their families through financial aid, educational resources, and social and emotional support.
Minnesota State University – Mankato Presidential Scholarships: Together with Minnesota State University – Mankato we funded 24 Blue Cross Presidential Scholarships over seven years to support the next generation of Minnesota’s workforce. The funding supports students studying all majors in education; pre- law; criminal justice; political science; social work; nursing; health science; health informatics; and biochemistry.
Past achievements
Strengthening communities over time
Over time, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has supported a range of efforts to improve community health and address key factors that influence health outcomes across the state. These efforts have focused on expanding access to care, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting prevention and education initiatives. Through collaboration with community organizations, public health partners, and other stakeholders, this work has contributed to stronger systems and improved conditions that support health and well-being across Minnesota.
Past efforts include:
Fundamentally Sound Athletics (FSA): FSA provided summer programming in Brooklyn Center that helped youth increase physical activity, build leadership skills, and strengthen connections to their community.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity: Blue Cross supported Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, helping launch the development of 147 affordable housing units in St. Paul and expanding access to stable housing in the community.
Mobile Health Station: Blue Cross collaborated with Bloomington Public Health to expand access to health screenings, vaccinations, and behavioral health resources by bringing services directly to where people live.
The New MPLS: Blue Cross supported the Lakeview Terrace Farmer’s Market in Robbinsdale—located near North Minneapolis—helping host 18 markets between May and September 2023 in an area with limited access to healthy food options.
NMPD (formerly known as Be the Match®): Blue Cross provided NMPD with funding to fill key recruitment roles to expand the donor registry, helping improve the chances that patients in need of a life-saving blood stem cell or marrow transplant can find a match.
Sanneh Foundation: Blue Cross partnered with the Sanneh Foundation to improve access to physical activity, address food insecurity and create learning environments for students.
Sources
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/chronic/data/index.html
https://www.web.health.state.mn.us/communities/healthcarelinks/index.html
https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/states/MN