Blue Shield of California Foundation Awards $6.3 Million to Promote Health Access and Quality.

Nearly $5 Million Used to Provide 5,000 Kids with Health Coverage

SAN FRANCISCO -- Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) today announced grants of $6.3 million to 14 nonprofit organizations, with the majority of funding being used to provide health care coverage for more than 5,000 children.

In addition to expanding access to health coverage, the foundation also works to promote the use of medical technology to increase the quality of care, as well as to end domestic violence.

"While we seek the broader goal of universal health coverage, we are committed to continuing our premium support for uninsured children," said Crystal Hayling, president of Blue Shield of California Foundation. "In the wake of the Proposition 86 defeat, it is critical that Children's Health Initiative (CHI) remains a vital lifeline in California's communities, providing health care access for kids."

With today's announcement, BSCF's grant-making total rises to $27.1 million for the year. Additionally, the foundation estimates over $1 million in program activities during 2006 to support its strategic goals - including public education materials, forums and convenings, and commissioned research.

Highlights of the $6.3 million in grants just awarded include:

* Nearly $5 million will go to maintain health coverage for 5,361 children through their respective Healthy Kids programs in Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Of that total, $3.5 million is being directed to L.A. Care Health Plan in Los Angeles to enroll 3,945 children. In 2006, BSCF grants have provided health coverage for a total of 6,575 children statewide, nine percent of the 69,660 children, ages 6-18 years old, who are enrolled in Healthy Kids programs.

* $300,000 will go to the San Mateo Medical Center Foundation to create an integrated, countywide electronic medical record system for all patients seen in the San Mateo County system of health care. This grant reflects the foundation's priority focus on technology as a tool to improve the quality of patient care.

* $150,000 will be directed to the Public Health Institute of Oakland to support its work with the California Department of Health Services to expand school health centers. Earlier this year, Governor Schwarzenegger spearheaded a statewide expansion of these school-based centers, which provide access to basic health services by thousands of California children and youth.

Blue Shield of California Foundation is one of the largest health care grant-making organizations in California. The foundation was formed by Blue Shield of California, a not-for-profit corporation with more than 3.2 million members, 4,300 employees and 20 offices throughout California. For more information, visit the Blue Shield of California website at www.mylifepath.com or the foundation at www.blueshieldcafoundation.org.