DETROIT, June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are offering a total of $35,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations able to develop and implement public awareness and community outreach campaigns that focus on elder abuse and neglect in Michigan.
“Elderly people can experience isolation and self-neglect, as well as abuse by family members, caregivers and others,” says Diana Jones, task force member and vice president of Community Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “We must focus immediate attention on this critical issue. These grants will support community organizations in their work to promote solutions.”
A 2004 news investigation revealed malnutrition and dehydration killed 800 Michigan nursing home patients between 1999 and 2002. Last month, Governor Jennifer Granholm announced the creation of a 15-member Michigan Task Force on Elder Abuse. The announcement quoted Granholm as saying, “Each year, an estimated 80,000 Michigan citizens aged 60 and older are the victims of financial fraud and physical abuse.”
As baby boomers continue to age, elder abuse is expected to rise. It is projected that by 2010, more than two million Michigan residents will be over the age of 65.
Funding requests are limited to a maximum of $5,000 per organization. Special consideration will be given to innovative strategies and community collaboration. The application deadline is June 17, 2005. For information on application requirements, contact Shoma Pal at 248-448-5027 or spal@bcbsm.com . Grants will be announced in July.
The Michigan Blues Community Health Initiatives strive to improve the health and well-being of Michigan residents by supporting innovative community health efforts through funding and collaboration.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit corporation, provides or administers health care benefits to just over 4.7 million members through a variety of plans: Traditional Blue Cross Blue Shield; Blue Preferred, Community Blue and Healthy Blue PPOs; Blue Choice Point of Service; Blue Care Network HMO, and Blue HSA(SM) plans compatible with health savings accounts. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit http://www.bcbsm.com .
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Blue Care Network
CONTACT: Cheryl McDonald of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,+1-313-225-8121, mediarelations@bcbsm.com
Web site: http://www.bcbsm.com/
