Happy New Year! January is a time to reflect on the previous year and the impact we had in Idaho. It’s also a time when I lean into the excitement of what will be happening this year. I wanted to take some time to share the mission and values of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health as we launch into 2024.

Kendra Witt-Doyle is the Executive Director of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health.

We were founded as a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organization by Blue Cross of Idaho in 2001 to help build a healthier Idaho. Our mission: The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is dedicated to giving back to Idaho and addressing the root causes that impact health.

We have three focus areas — Community, Education and Healthcare — where we actively address the root causes that impact health and help make our state a healthier place to live, work, learn, and play.

Our values: We strive to incorporate these four values into everything we do at the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health:

  • Build Partnerships: The value of partnerships is immeasurable. We, nor any other organization, can do this work alone. We work hard to build trust-based partnerships that help address the root causes that impact health.
  • Continuous Learning: Our team operates with a listening and learning mindset. What does that mean? We listen and learn before we develop our funding strategy. We need to continually evolve and learn so we are meeting the needs of Idaho. We vow to learn and continuously improve our processes and programs to better serve our partners, grantees and the state.
  • Opportunities for All: The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation serves all of Idaho and all people who live in Idaho. From Bonners Ferry to Bear Lake and everywhere in between, we give back to the entire state. This includes populations that have been traditionally marginalized and underserved.
  • Transformational Change: Our goal is to create change that will last for generations. While sometimes it is vital to address immediate needs, we focus on going “upstream” and creating systems change that will have a long-lasting impact on Idaho and its residents.

It is our passion to serve Idaho. We are In Idaho, for Idaho. Visit our website at www.bcidahofoundation.org, and while you’re there, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter that will keep you informed of funding opportunities and our efforts to build a healthier Idaho.