Blue Cross MN - For communities

August is National Breastfeeding Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, addressing common barriers to breastfeeding, and supporting babies and families through education and advocacy. Breastfeeding is beneficial not only to the health and wellbeing of infants but also to mothers, families, and communities.

“Breastfeeding is one of those beautiful, mutually beneficial experiences for both mom and baby, when it’s possible,” said Delali Degbey, Senior Program Manager at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. “Research shows that breastfeeding strengthens the immune system of both parties. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports that for moms, it can sustain postpartum recovery, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and help with shedding pregnancy weight. For babies, it lowers the risk of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, asthma, diabetes, and even childhood obesity. It’s remarkable the powerful communication loop it creates between the infant and the mother’s body.”

Read more in the Sahan Journal here:

Breastfeeding to support maternal and infant health August is National Breastfeeding Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, addressing common barriers to breastfeeding, and supporting babies and families through education and advocacy. Breastfeeding is beneficial not only to the health and wellbei...

This July, 18 high school students participated in ThreeSixty Journalism’s Multimedia Storytelling Institute, a three-week immersive camp where students learned about the art of reporting from a roster of local media experts. This year marks the eighth summer that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has partnered with ThreeSixty to support the next generation of storytellers and create greater understanding of health in Minnesota.

The theme of this year’s Multimedia Storytelling Institute was addiction and recovery. Students reported on the state of addiction in Minnesota, the impacts of addiction on youth, and profiled community leaders across our state working to support recovery. Read more:

Youth Journalists Report on Addiction and Recovery in Minnesota This July, 18 high school students participated in ThreeSixty Journalism’s Multimedia Storytelling Institute, a three-week immersive camp where students learned about the art of reporting from a roster of local media experts. This year marks the eighth summer that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Min...

In the United States, men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, access behavioral healthcare, or receive a mental health diagnosis. Without treatment and care, men are more likely to utilize unhealthy coping mechanisms including substance abuse, self-harm, or aggressive behaviors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men die by su***de at a rate four times higher than women and while men make up 50% of the population, they account for nearly 80% of all su***des.

Destigmatizing Men’s Mental Health In the United States, men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, access behavioral healthcare, or receive a mental health diagnosis. Without treatment and care, men are more likely to utilize unhealthy coping mechanisms including substance abuse, self-harm, or aggressive b...

Art over time has always been a medium that allows us to tell stories, challenge perspectives, and understand histories, whether through cave paintings, historical murals, intimate portraits, or abstract geometry. Art uniquely can blend fact and emotions, and often offers perspectives that other storytelling mediums cannot always capture. This ability to give empathy for experiences we haven’t personally gone through, thinking of the world in a different way, makes art a powerful tool to convey narratives about ourselves, our community, and core issues to our society like our health. Read more here:

Inspiring healthy communities through art and youth empowerment While health encompasses a huge continuum from personal, to community, physical to mental, we can use art to communicate valuable messages that can transcend cultural and political divides.

As we look back on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible partnerships and collaborative efforts that have defined our journey. Guided by our mission to invest, partner, and advocate for communities creating authentic change to heal racial and health inequities, we have worked closely with our community partners to find community-led solutions. This year has been a testament to the power of collective action and shared goals.

Our vision is to see a world where everyone leads their healthiest life, free from oppression and inequity. Together in partnership with our community and key stakeholders, we have embarked on numerous initiatives that reflect our shared commitment to these values. Read more from Bukata Hayes, vice president, racial and health equity and chief equity officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota:

https://sahanjournal.com/sponsored/collective-action-for-racial-and-health-equity-2024-in-review/?fbclid=IwY2xjawH80eRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcXpH8ISaoJt0V-3b1WNYtnwaxZHtC8SewP7pxsQZwjF3axWVSveLZII_w_aem_88XH3aPCyquK_0ba6MUfFw

Collective Action for Racial and Health Equity: 2024 in Review As we look back on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible partnerships and collaborative efforts that have defined our journey. Guided by our mission to invest, partner, and advocate for communities creating authentic change to heal racial and health inequities, we have worked closely...

Minnesota communities are done waiting on the FDA, taking the commercial to***co fight to the local level The Vadnais Heights city council recently voted unanimously to adopt a revised Commercial To***co Ordinance, which adds them to the growing number of Minnesota communities that are actively working to restrict or prohibit the sale of flavored to***co products, including menthol.