Anthem Blue Cross Foundation and Students Rising Above Launch the Healthy Lifestyle Literacy and Health Care Navigation Program

Supporting Critical Health Care Access and Navigation Services to Bay Area Youth

SRA High School seniors at the New Student Retreat at the YMCA Camp Jones Gulch, August, 2018

We are thrilled to announce that Students Rising Above and the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation have joined forces to form the Healthy Lifestyle Literacy and Health Care Navigation program (HLLHN).

The initiative, which is made possible by a grant from the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, seeks to formalize a preventative lifestyle education program aimed at increasing SRA students’ knowledge of healthy lifestyle topics such as diet, sleep, mindfulness and lifestyle choices. The goal is to help improve their overall quality of life and wellbeing through healthy and preventive behaviors.

Through dedicated health care navigation services and advisors, the program will provide guidance and support in accessing health care, including health insurance access and enrollment, assistance in finding medical, dental, and vision providers, and more. The program intends to reach more than 500 Bay Area students and will help prepare students to be engaged, educated, and empowered in their own health care.

As with all Students Rising Above’s wrap-around support services, the Health Care Navigator, as well as advisors trained in Healthy Lifestyle topics, will work one-on-one with students to resolve their unique issues to ensure that their focus can remain on achieving their educational and career dreams.

“Students Rising Above recognizes the importance of teaching basic healthy lifestyle skills, as well as providing the tips, tools, and support for our students, empowering them to enroll in, access, and utilize their health care plans,” said Lorna Contreras-Townsend, Director of Student Programs, Students Rising Above. “Together with the support from the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, we are thrilled to launch the Healthy Lifestyle Literacy and Health Care Navigation Program, providing even more critical health care services for our students, enabling them to focus on their college-to-career journey.”

Comprised of a tightly organized team of trained experts, corporate partners, an engaged student community, and the commitment of both individual donors and foundations, Students Rising Above has created an all-encompassing program that offers thousands of students social-emotional support, academic advising, health care navigation, career guidance, and professional development.

Anthem Blue Cross’ partnership with Students Rising Above focuses on numerous aspects of health and wellness. The grant is part of Anthem Blue Cross’ continuing commitment to improving the lives of the people in the communities it serves.

“Anthem strives to simplify health care and this partnership with Student Rising Above is consistent with that goal by showing young people the importance of a healthy lifestyle and giving them the tools to be successful,” said Beth Andersen, Vice President & General Manager of Anthem Blue Cross’ Large Group Business. “We look forward to working with Students Rising Above and helping our future leaders navigate their health care options and lead healthier lives.”

By providing comprehensive guidance and support whenever and wherever it’s needed, Students Rising Above accomplishes its mission through a series of proven initiatives that have a direct and profound impact, affecting lives for generations.

Follow us on the SRA Blog to learn more about how we are helping our students lead healthy, balanced lifestyles on their college-to-career journey and beyond!