DETROIT — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the BCBSM Foundation are partnering to provide $250,000 to safety net clinics interested in improving health care and health care delivery in Michigan.  Clinics operating in Michigan are encouraged to apply for the Enhancing Primary Care in Michigan’s Safety Net Organizations grant, now through Feb. 14, with grant funding awarded to up to five projects across the state. BCBSM is inviting interested organizations to submit a letter of interest by Feb. 14, available at www.bcbsm.com/safetynet or at www.bcbsm.com/foundation. 

“Clinics and health centers across Michigan are doing outstanding work to make sure families get access to quality care, including access to primary care and specialty services, that can save lives and support local communities,” said Ira Strumwasser, vice president, BCBSM Foundation. “But what are some of the opportunities to improve the quality of care? These grants are designed to find best practices that could be shared statewide. Far too many Michiganders continue to face economic hardships through no fault of their own, and BCBSM is eager to work with local communities to meet growing health care needs across our state.”

BCBSM and the BCBSM Foundation will provide the grants for up to two years, designed to help organizations develop new or adapt innovative models that will increase access to primary care and improve service delivery and quality of care in safety net organizations. Qualifying organizations include free and hybrid clinics, federally qualified and look-alike health centers, tribal health centers and rural health centers.

Based on the letters of interest, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will then invite a shortlist of organizations to submit a full proposal, which will be due May 1. BCBSM will announce recipients of the grants in July. Organizations seeking more information can send their questions to: innovations@bcbsm.com.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides and administers health benefits to more than 4.4 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies who reside outside the state. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com and MiBluesPerspectives.com.