Blue Cross of Minnesota Launches “Trailblazer Tour” Showcasing Organizations Committed to Innovative Health Care Approaches

New "Trailblazer Tour" website highlights remarkable Minnesota businesses and organizations for their innovative approaches to moving health forward

(Eagan, Minn.) June 14, 2016 - As part of an ongoing effort to shine a spotlight on health innovators, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today launched the "Trailblazer Tour," an all-new online hub that’s sharing remarkable stories of Minnesota organizations’ noteworthy innovations and collaborations with Blue Cross in the realm of health.

A total of 11 Trailblazers will be highlighted for the launch of this virtual tour. The powerful stories – which feature organizations from every corner of the state – will roll out from now through September, at the newly launched Trailblazer Tour website bluecrossmn.com/trailblazertour.

"These amazing Trailblazers’ unique initiatives are generating real discussions in a collaborative effort toward moving health forward health across Minnesota," said Paula Phillippe, senior vice president of human resources and external relations at Blue Cross. "We are committed to showcasing our outstanding community and business partners, who are all working tirelessly to improve the health of people and communities. By recognizing these incredible organizations, Blue Cross hopes to expand the conversation about the transformations taking place in health care today."

Each of the Trailblazer stories— which range from modern onsite workplace clinics to bike-sharing programs to sustainable farming— include a unique collaboration with Blue Cross that supports their effort to improve health of all in the cities in where they live, work and play.

"We recognize that health care transformation happens when people and organizations come together in their communities and come up with innovative solutions," said Scott Keefer, vice president of public affairs and communications at Blue Cross. "That’s why we’re committed to two-way conversations, learning from and building on the successes of these great partners."

Following the launch, similar stories will continue to be populated throughout the site, further showing Blue Cross’ reach across the state of Minnesota. Fans can follow along with the stories of Blue Cross Trailblazers over Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and sign up to receive email alerts when new stories are released.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

For more than 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (bluecrossmn.com) has supported the health, wellbeing and peace of mind of our members by striving to ensure equitable access to high quality care at an affordable price. We are on a mission to inspire change, transform care and improve health for the people and communities we serve by reinventing both ourselves and the broader system. Our more than 2.5 million members can be found in every Minnesota county, all 50 states and on four continents. As a proud nonprofit organization, we believe working to advance wellness for all Minnesotans is the greatest investment we can make. Our goal is nothing less than for everyone to be able to achieve their full health potential, regardless of race or other socially defined circumstances. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, which serves more than 107 million members across the U.S.