Daemen University was recently awarded a $200,000 2026 Highmark Blue Fund grant during Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Fund Awards Ceremony at Seneca One on September 9.
Lisa Rafalson, Greg Ford, Robin King
Twenty organizations, including Daemen, were selected from over 200 applicants for Blue Fund grants. Daemen’s grant supports the Kennedy Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology (KIMIT) physical therapy (PT) and interprofessional workforce initiative.
Funding will expand high-quality healthcare workforce training, behavioral health access, and health prevention for KIMIT patients and community members in the surrounding medically underserved neighborhood. Over a twelve month period, Daemen aims to treat 350-400 individuals. In addition, it will enhance the future healthcare workforce by preparing students to work collaboratively in underserved communities and address racial and health inequities through compassionate, community-centered care.
Michael Brogan, Lisa Rafalson, Robin King, Elizabeth Wright, Greg Ford
“We are incredibly grateful to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Blue Fund for believing in the work of the Daemen University Kennedy Institute and investing in the health of our community,” said Dr. Greg Ford, founding dean of the Scott Bieler College of Health Professions. “This funding will help us reach more individuals who face barriers to care while giving our students invaluable opportunities to learn together and serve those communities where their skills are needed most.”
Launched by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2018, Blue Fund invests in collaborative efforts addressing key health priorities and improving outcomes across the communities they serve. The primary health areas include behavioral health, cardiovascular health, healthcare workforce development, and maternal health. To date, over $30 million dollars has been invested in New York organizations and initiatives.