Company: WellPoint Foundation, Indianapolis, IN
Entry Submitted By: Sunshine Avenue
Company Description: The WellPoint Foundation is a private, non-profit organization wholly funded by WellPoint, Inc. Through charitable contributions and programs, the Foundation promotes WellPoint’s inherent commitment to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that WellPoint serves.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year - More Than 2,500 Employees

Nomination Title: The WellPoint Foundation's 2011 Social Responsibility Impact

Tell the story about what this nominated organization achieved since January 1 2011 (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

At WellPoint, we believe there is a tremendous opportunity to drive innovation and progress through our corporate social responsibility.

Central to the Foundation’s work is our “Healthy Generations” program, a multigenerational initiative created to improve public health and save lives. The model utilizes a state-by-state compilation of public health measures that we call our "State Health Index", to identify health issues most in need of attention. This unique approach establishes a baseline measure at the beginning of our work and helps guide where we can deliver the greatest impact through our leadership, programs and financial contributions. Outcomes from our efforts include solutions for critical health issues, decreased community heath care costs, increased employee job satisfaction, and most importantly, a healthier future for children and families touched by our programs.

2011 Accomplishments:

• Donated $19.8M and volunteer time to 1005 community organizations under the “Healthy Generations” program

• In her role as honorary chair of “Indy’s Super Cure”, WellPoint CEO Angela Braly helped raise $1.5M+ in under six months for the Komen for the Cure Breast Tissue Bank at Indiana University’s Simon Cancer Center.

• Backed by a 50% match from the Foundation, WellPoint employees raised $6.8M for 6 health charities and donated 15,336 volunteer hours to community service valued at $334,171.

• Nearly 4,000 associates at 160+ sites participated in a Community Service Day; Activities ranged from preparing 23,000+ pounds of medical supplies for distribution to sorting 54,200+ pounds of food at food banks.

• Helped create a handbook for policy-makers that identifies strategies to reduce inefficient treatments and eliminate unnecessary expenditures that comprise approximately one-third of the nation’s health care costs, while also improving the quality of care patients receive.

Partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs to deploy their Triple Play wellness program that teaches kids about eating right, keeping fit and forming positive relationships.

o Helped reduce obesity levels in 424,930 children.
o Raised awareness of the importance of physical activity by breaking the Guinness World Record for most people doing jumping jacks. 20,425 children, volunteers and employees at 362 locations took part in the event that generated 60M+ media impressions.

Partnered with the OASIS Institute to introduce CATCH Healthy Habits, an intergenerational program that pairs 50+ aged adults with children to encourage healthier eating and physical activity.

o Expanded program to 5,000 children/adults in 18 cities across 14 states.
o Helped reduce obesity levels in 1,571 children grades 3-5.

Partnered with March of Dimes to fund programs in 14 states to reduce costly and dangerous preterm births, birth defects and infant mortality.

• Reduced premature births rate of 12.5% by 33% among women in 7 states.
• Helped nearly 600 women stop smoking during pregnancy.
• Broadcasters for Babies campaign generated 144M+ media impressions.

WellPoint’s corporate responsibility extends beyond making a positive impact – our total health care expertise, industry insights, employee talent and financial resources are all leveraged to provide sustainable solutions to vital health issues. Setting the bar higher has been a critical part of reaching our goal to create a healthier generation of Americans.

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Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader of this nominated organization:

Angela Braly is chair of the board of directors, president and chief executive officer of WellPoint Inc., the nation’s largest health benefits company with approximately 34 million Americans nationwide covered through its affiliated health plans. Ms. Braly serves on the board of directors of The Procter & Gamble Company, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the National Institute for Health Care Management. Additionally, she is a member of Business Roundtable, The Business Council, and Harvard's Health Care Policy Advisory Council. Ms.Braly received her juris doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University.