WNBA teams partner with Anthem Healthcare to address inequity
February 26, 2021
Four WNBA teams have formed an unprecedented multi-year partnership with one of the largest healthcare companies in the US, Anthem, to combat racial and health inequities and promote social justice initiatives within each of the four teams’ local communities.
The teams, The New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks, Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever, will also host a community event in the home team’s city whenever they face each other during the WNBA season. These joint events are intended to make an impact on health challenges in their respective cities, such as food insecurity and mental health.
Through the agreement, Anthem has made multi-year investments in each of the WNBA franchises. Each team has partnered with its local Anthem affiliate within the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (federation of health insurance companies) and will undertake a community-specific social justice initiative relating to health disparities.
"As part of Anthem's commitment to being both a national and local leader, we are working in solidarity with our communities to challenge the status quo and address the factors driving disparities and inequities in our healthcare system and in society as a whole," President and CEO of Anthem, Inc. Gail Boudreaux said.
The New York Liberty will collaborate with Empire BlueCross BlueShield and will focus on addressing healthcare inequities affecting women in Brooklyn and New York City generally through their "Women's Empowerment" platform, "Breast Health Awareness" platform and "National Days of Recognition" activations.
The Los Angeles Sparks will join Anthem Blue Cross in Southern California on their "Health and Wellness" community pillar, the "Spark the True You" campaign and "Keeping Kids in the Game," an Anthem initiative to provide athletic experiences and health education to children and their families.
In Georgia, the Atlanta Dream will work with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to address "food insecurity, mental health, and health disparities" via food drives, health screenings and other social justice programming.
“We are excited to build a long-term partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield that will benefit Atlanta and the surrounding communities,” Dream president & general manager Chris Sienko said in a statement to The Root. “Their commitment to social justice, and focus on health and wellness are aligned with that of the Dream. Partnerships are collaborative, and this will be a great way to work together to make a difference.”
Finally, through the "Athlete to Advocate" professional executive certificate program at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy the Indiana Fever will learn strategies "to raise social awareness of the causes they support, advance solutions and enhance their philanthropic activities and advocacy through their platform as professional athletes." The team is taking a special focus on racial justice.
In addition to these efforts, the Fever and Anthem will also lead community efforts across their state and honor locals committed to social justice advocacy via a monthly "Anthem Assists" Award.