HOPE initiative

The HOPE initiative is designed to support communities disproportionately affected by commercial tobacco.

Currently, Blue Cross is funding the HOPE initiative through 2026. Funded projects will advance policies, systems, and environmental changes in communities targeted by the tobacco industry. This initiative collaborates with organizations and Tribal Nations to continue moving toward a shared goal of reducing and eliminating the harms of commercial tobacco and supporting traditional tobacco teachings.

Read the 2024 HOPE Report here.

Blue Cross of Blue Shield of Minnesota has awarded $1M in funding per year for the following organizations:

American Lung Association of MN (Lung Mind Alliance)

The Lung Mind Alliance will reduce challenges related to the impact of commercial tobacco on people with mental illness and/or substance use disorders by integrating commercial tobacco treatment into mental health and substance use disorder treatment services and creating commercial tobacco-free grounds at treatment facilities.

Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota (ANSR)

ANSR will work to enact comprehensive tobacco control policies  in targeted cities. These policies include menthol and flavor restrictions; pricing regulation; retailer limits and community capacity-building; fostering healthier environments; and reducing the prevalence of commercial tobacco use.

Bois Forte Tribal Council

Bois Forte Tribal Council will work to minimize exposure to secondhand smoke and vaping to enhance community health and wellbeing. They will integrate traditional tobacco teachings into community initiatives to preserve and promote cultural knowledge. They will also foster collaboration and coordination with substance use disorder and mental health  programs to provide comprehensive support for individuals facing these challenges.

FamilyWise Services

FamilyWise Services will improve community health by addressing root issues such as high rates of out-of-home placement and substance misuse, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and intergenerational trauma. They will support individual and family resilience and healing practices, while also promoting organizational/community-level healing and uplifting stories of resilience that highlight the wisdom and strength of Indigenous people.

Indigenous Peoples Task Force (IPTF)

IPTF will improve the health of the Minnesota Native American community by advancing Policy, Systems, and Environmental change. The project will engage in growing traditional tobacco with IPTF and their community and network. The project aims to restore cultural practices by educating Native communities on the four basic medicines: tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass.

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

The Leech Lake Family Spirit EmPOWERment (LLFSP) project aims to reduce commercial tobacco use and exposure by developing Indigenous pamphlets, teaching Asemaa cultivation and engaging youth in cultural practices. Additionally, it seeks to promote physically active lifestyles and healthy eating habits within the community. The project also emphasizes support and evaluation through the establishment of the LLFSP Elder Advisory Committee to assess and enhance the Family Spirit Program.

Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota, a Sovereign and Federally recognized Indian Tribe

The Lower Sioux Indian Community will break down barriers and increase support for healthy behaviors at Lower Sioux. It aims to increase supports for healthy behaviors; increase access to health screenings, wellness initiatives and traditional healing methods; and maintain Lower Sioux Community Health Vision.

Native American Community Clinic (NACC)

“Wicozani Chanku” means “the path to health and wellbeing” in Dakota. The project will engage community members to develop cultural and community-specific educational interventions that create healthy environments for those most impacted by the harms of commercial tobacco.

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, Inc.

NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, Inc. will conduct educational presentations and outreach events to raise awareness about the dangers of flavored commercial tobacco and promote supportive policies; co-create culturally specific educational materials to effectively communicate the harms of flavored commercial tobacco; and involve 10–12 high school students in developing messaging and educational strategies, while also training them and community partners as tobacco prevention educators and advocates.

Sub-Saharan African Youth and Family Services of Minnesota (SAYFSM)

SAYFSM will reduce commercial tobacco use within African-born and Black communities through a comprehensive approach that addresses individual behavior change and environmental factors. The project will provide education and raise awareness about tobacco-related health risks, and empower community members in leadership roles; engage young people through youth-led initiatives, peer education, and leadership opportunities; and establish collaborations with community organizations, faith/community leaders, health professionals, schools, and government agencies.