Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) President and CEO, Don George and BCBSVT's employees were recently honored with the 2010 Leadership and Activist Award for their contributions to the annual Alzheimer's Memory Walk. During the award ceremony, State Senator Randolph D. Brock, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Vermont Alzheimer's Association presented Mr. George with the award, which he accepted on behalf of BCBSVT and its employees. The 125 attendees also heard inspiring words from Governor Jim Douglas, who offered a video testimonial in support of the work of the Vermont Alzheimer's Association.
Upon accepting the award, Mr. George remarked: "I'm particularly pleased that the Alzheimer's Association is extending this recognition to all BCBSVT employees . . .What I believe makes BCBSVT different from other health insurers is the personal connection BCBSVT employees maintain to serving their fellow Vermonters, communities and in many cases their neighbors and friends."
"BCBSVT employees' commitment to Vermonters doesn't end when they leave their desks at the end of the day. They take their positive, giving spirit to scores of charitable and community organizations throughout the state," Mr. George explained. "While they do most of this work individually at neighborhood schools, food shelves and town halls, sometimes they get together and volunteer en masse. This year, two BCBSVT teams comprised of nearly 70 employees raised over $5,000 for Alzheimer's research at Memory Walks in Montpelier and Burlington. Collectively BCBSVT employees volunteered more than 10,000 hours to over 100 charitable and community organizations last year."
The Vermont Alzheimer's Association, a sister non-profit health care organization, is dedicated to eliminating Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research. The Vermont chapter also works to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Memory Walk is a national signature event used to educate community members on Alzheimer's disease and invite them to join in the fight against the disease. Since 1989, Memory Walks have raised more than $200 million to help those battling Alzheimer's disease.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is the state's oldest and largest health insurer, providing coverage for about 150,000 Vermonters. It employs over 350 Vermonters at its headquarters in Berlin and branch office in South Burlington, and offers group and individual health plans. More information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is available on the Internet at www.bcbsvt.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is an independent corporation operating under a license with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
