Ronald McDonald House Charities Receive Health Equity Innovation Award for Addressing Disparities in Healthcare

On Tuesday, during an event held by the Ronald McDonald House, several organizations and a guest were recognized for their efforts to address health disparities. The event highlighted the significant impact that community partners have on the lives of thousands of individuals, with many more expected to benefit in the future.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Vice President of Health Equity and Community Investments Simone Edwards commended the community partners for their work. The Health Equity Innovation Awards program, funded by BlueCross BlueShield, aims to address disparities in healthcare.

One of the organizations benefiting from this initiative is the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester. Through funding provided by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the organization has been able to offer free housing to high-risk pregnancy mothers. Desiray Washington from Olean shared her experience with the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Desiray expressed her gratitude for the organization, stating that they provided a “home away from home” for her family during two hospital stays. Her daughter was born eight weeks premature, weighing only four pounds three ounces. Desiray highlighted the importance of the Ronald McDonald House in supporting families during challenging times, acknowledging that without their assistance, she would not know what she would do.