Latest news with #SaskatchewanBlueCross
Cision Canada
28-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Saskatchewan Blue Cross supports high-risk communities with $50,000 for equipment for screening chronic kidney disease
SASKATOON, SK , July 28, 2025 /CNW/ - In Saskatchewan, ten per cent of the population lives with a form of kidney disease. Over the last ten years, the number of individuals with kidney disease requiring dialysis has increased by 50 per cent. Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is frequently called the "silent killer", as it can progress without obvious symptoms until it's too late. Individuals diagnosed with chronic kidney failure must visit a dialysis centre three to four times a week, with each visit lasting up to four hours until transplant or end of life. For a family near a city centre, this unrelenting schedule can be challenging. For families in rural Saskatchewan, the diagnosis can be devastating – often resulting in hours of travel or having to leave their communities to be closer to care. Those residing in Northern Saskatchewan are uniquely susceptible to CKD, with access to care and the genetic predisposition of the disease among Indigenous peoples being distressing factors in the increased rate of CKD. The disease also increases the risk of other life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and limb amputations. Through a shared vision with the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, St. Paul's Hospital Foundation are working together on prevention and early treatment with the By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign. The campaign supports better patient-centred modalities of care that improve their experience, autonomy and outcomes during treatment. This includes new programs, centres and support for those at risk or facing CKD. The By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign is a critical initiative to change these devastating, preventable outcomes. Its three priorities are access to care and education, holistic care and proactive prevention. The main priority is the Early Screening Program, which provides individuals, particularly in high-risk communities, with access to early detection and education. "At Saskatchewan Blue Cross, we believe access to early detection and education can change lives," said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "Our $50,000 commitment to St. Paul's Hospital Foundation's 'By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign' reflects our dedication to improving health outcomes in Saskatchewan, especially in high-risk and underserved communities. We hope others are equally motivated to support the Early Screening Program for Chronic Kidney Disease, bringing much-needed care and hope to individuals and families across the province." This critical funding from Saskatchewan Blue Cross supports purchasing vital equipment required for screening CKD. It also promotes the gathering of vital data that will help lay the foundation for a sustainable early diagnosis system in at-risk communities. "We are deeply grateful to Saskatchewan Blue Cross for their generous support of the By Your Side Kidney Health Campaign and the Early Screening Program," said Lecina Hicke, CEO of St. Paul's Hospital Foundation. "Their partnership is helping to close critical gaps in care by creating access to early detection and education in underserved and remote communities. Together, we are working to build a stronger, more equitable healthcare system that ensures everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it most." The equipment is just the beginning. St. Paul's Hospital Foundation is committed to raising $10 million for the By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign. Their hope is to create patient-centred and holistic health initiatives that save lives, while reducing the economic and social impacts of early-onset kidney failure. Learn more about the campaign and donate by visiting the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation website
Cision Canada
12-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Saskatchewan Blue Cross launches flexible unparalleled health plan for those 50+
New Retiree Plan offers guaranteed acceptance, comprehensive drug and travel benefits with 36 customizable coverage combinations to reflect the changing retirement landscape. SASKATOON, SK, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - As the residents of Saskatchewan retire, many are left navigating a new chapter without the security of health insurance. Rising healthcare costs and changing wellness needs make retiring confidently more complicated than ever. In response to the need for accessible health plan solutions that can fit any health and financial situation and evolve with you as your needs change with age, Saskatchewan Blue Cross has launched a new Retiree Plan, providing extensive flexible health and travel benefits for individuals 50 and older. "Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all journey, and your retirement health plan shouldn't be either," says Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "With unparalleled flexibility our new Retiree Plan adapts seamlessly to diverse health needs and financial situations and removes barriers to access by eliminating health questionnaires that exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. We're proud to empower retirees with a plan that supports their well-being every step of the way, through innovative services like virtual care, preventative wellness programs, comprehensive coverage and a commitment to providing benefits that support holistic, proactive healthcare." Why this matters now With 135,000 Saskatchewan residents approaching retirement in the next five years, the transition from workplace benefits to a strong personal health plan is key. People are living longer, managing complex health needs, and expecting more from their health plan. For rural retirees, access is everything. Our plans come with embedded virtual care, 24/7 navigation and support that meets you where you are. What makes the Retiree Plan different Unlike traditional products, Saskatchewan Blue Cross' new plan offers ultimate flexibility, including: Expanded travel protection – up to 65 days per trip, with $5 million in out-of-province/out-of-country emergency medical coverage. No medical questionnaires or exclusions for pre-existing conditions – you're covered regardless of your health or prescription medications 36 plan combinations across three tiers (Basic, Classic and Enhanced) – allowing you to match your health and financial needs, with the option to adjust as needed*. Expansive drug coverage, including vaccines and Exception Drug Status (EDS) medications – plus smoking cessation supports and more. Robust health practitioner and extended benefits coverage – including annual eye exams, physiotherapy, counselling and more. Virtual care on demand – providing unlimited access to Nurse Practitioners through Cleveland Clinic Canada, allowing you to address multiple concerns in one visit. Enhanced mental wellness support – up to 20 counselling sessions with unlimited cases through Homewood Health's Individual Assistance Program (IAP). Life Smart Coaching and preventative wellness – including Health Risk Assessments, nutrition, financial planning and more. Optional dental coverage – the ability to tailor coverage and opt out, offering flexibility for those eligible under the Canada Dental Care Plan. Ongoing plan flexibility – with the option to increase your coverage at any time or decrease after two years*. Built for Saskatchewan, by Saskatchewan As a not-for-profit organization trusted by generations, Saskatchewan Blue Cross understands and integrates with provincial health programs, ensuring you get the maximum value from your benefits plan and government plans you're eligible for.
Cision Canada
05-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Saskatchewan Blue Cross joins United Way Day of Caring to support local families and communities
SASKATOON, SK, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Saskatchewan Blue Cross team members rolled up their sleeves once again this year to give back through meaningful, hands-on projects as part of the United Way Day of Caring. The United Way Day of Caring is an annual event that connects volunteers with local non-profit organizations to complete much-needed projects. "Community is at the heart of everything we do at Saskatchewan Blue Cross," said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "We're honoured to support the incredible work of United Way and its partner organizations through the Day of Caring. These hands-on activities allow our team members to directly impact the health and well-being of families in our province – and that's what we're all about." In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Blue Cross team members volunteered their time at Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, supporting families with sick children by helping with indoor organization, outdoor clean-up, baking homemade treats and assembling wellness kits. Meanwhile, in Regina, volunteers lent a hand at the United Way Regina office, assembling Kinderkits – activity kits for children about to begin kindergarten – to help provide them get a strong start on their education journey. "Each year, Day of Caring provides workplaces and volunteer groups an opportunity to make a tangible difference in our community," said Sheri Benson, CEO of United Way Saskatoon and Area. "Saskatchewan Blue Cross' three-year investment into powering Day of Caring has helped build capacity, beautify spaces, energize teams and grow lasting friendships, making our communities stronger, safer and better for everyone." "Saskatchewan Blue Cross continues to demonstrate a long-standing commitment to building healthier communities," said Todd Sandin, Director of Business Strategy and Transformation, United Way Regina. "Thanks to their continued support, we're helping ensure children entering kindergarten are ready to learn by assembling and distributing over 100 Kinder Readiness Kits this year to various schools across the city."
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saskatchewan Blue Cross joins United Way Day of Caring to support local families and communities
SASKATOON, SK, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Saskatchewan Blue Cross team members rolled up their sleeves once again this year to give back through meaningful, hands-on projects as part of the United Way Day of Caring. The United Way Day of Caring is an annual event that connects volunteers with local non-profit organizations to complete much-needed projects. "Community is at the heart of everything we do at Saskatchewan Blue Cross," said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "We're honoured to support the incredible work of United Way and its partner organizations through the Day of Caring. These hands-on activities allow our team members to directly impact the health and well-being of families in our province – and that's what we're all about." In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Blue Cross team members volunteered their time at Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, supporting families with sick children by helping with indoor organization, outdoor clean-up, baking homemade treats and assembling wellness kits. Meanwhile, in Regina, volunteers lent a hand at the United Way Regina office, assembling Kinderkits – activity kits for children about to begin kindergarten – to help provide them get a strong start on their education journey. "Each year, Day of Caring provides workplaces and volunteer groups an opportunity to make a tangible difference in our community," said Sheri Benson, CEO of United Way Saskatoon and Area. "Saskatchewan Blue Cross' three-year investment into powering Day of Caring has helped build capacity, beautify spaces, energize teams and grow lasting friendships, making our communities stronger, safer and better for everyone." "Saskatchewan Blue Cross continues to demonstrate a long-standing commitment to building healthier communities," said Todd Sandin, Director of Business Strategy and Transformation, United Way Regina. "Thanks to their continued support, we're helping ensure children entering kindergarten are ready to learn by assembling and distributing over 100 Kinder Readiness Kits this year to various schools across the city." Learn more about Saskatchewan Blue Cross's community investment program and initiatives by visiting SOURCE Saskatchewan Blue Cross View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
13-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
71 local charities supported by Saskatchewan Blue Cross Employee Giving Program
"Our team is passionate about supporting the communities where we live and work," said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross. "Thanks to their participation, 71 different organizations across Saskatchewan benefited from this year's program." Through this initiative, Saskatchewan Blue Cross continues to champion the well-being of Saskatchewan residents – one donation at a time. The following organizations benefitted from the Employee Giving Program: Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan Inc Autism Services of Saskatoon Big Brothers Big Sisters - Saskatoon BridgePoint Center for Eating Disorder Recovery Canadian Cancer Society - Saskatchewan Canadian Mental Health Association - Regina Canadian Mental Health Association - Saskatchewan Division Canadian Mental Health Association - Saskatoon Canadian Red Cross Society - Saskatchewan Division Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan Care & Share Saskatoon Carmichael Outreach Creative Options Regina, Inc. Crocus Co-op Crohn's and Colitis Canada - SK Chapter Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) Prince Albert EGADZ Drop-In Centre Empty Arms Perinatal Loss Support Services Family Fertility Fund of Saskatchewan Family Service Saskatoon First Steps Wellness Centre Food Banks of Saskatchewan Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan Haven Family Connections Healing to the Max Hope Restored Canada Hope's Home Regina Hope's Home Saskatoon Hope's Home Warman Hospitals of Regina Foundation Inclusion Saskatchewan Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation Kidney Foundation of Canada - Saskatchewan Branch KidSport Saskatchewan Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan Lung Saskatchewan Lupus SK Society Inc. Make-A-Wish Canada - Saskatchewan Martensville Food Pantry Meewasin Valley Authority OUTSaskatoon Planned Parenthood Regina Prairie Harm Reduction Prairie Hospice Society Inc Prostate Cancer Canada Network - Regina Inc. Quill Plains Health Care Foundation Inc. REACH Regina Regina Food Bank Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan Rosthern Hospital Foundation Royal University Hospital Foundation Saskatchewan Abilities Council Saskatchewan Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Saskatchewan Epilepsy Inc. Saskatchewan Hospice Palliative Care Association Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre Saskatoon Friendship Inn Saskatoon Open Door Society Inc. Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan St. John Ambulance: Therapy Dog Program STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service Foundation) The Bridge on 20th Fellowship Centre The Kinsmen Foundation - Telemiracle The MS Society of Canada The Mustard Seed Saskatoon The Salvation Army The Scleroderma Association of Saskatchewan Truly Alive Foundation White Buffalo Youth Lodge YWCA Saskatoon Inc. "We are very grateful for the support from so many generous Saskatchewan Blue Cross employees," said Nora Yeates, CEO of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. "This gift demonstrates that we are stronger together and no one in Saskatchewan faces cancer alone." "Empty Arms is a registered charity that provides free specialized support and services for those experiencing the loss of a child during pregnancy, or through early childhood," said Karina Fuenzalida, Community Relations Coordinator at Empty Arms. "On behalf of Empty Arms and the families that we have the honour of supporting, we want to give a great big THANK YOU to Saskatchewan Blue Cross and The Employee Giving Program for their $700 donation! Together as a community, we can provide space for healing and help carry the weight of loss so families do not have to navigate this unimaginable journey alone. Their support and generosity allow us to continue to be there for grieving families when they need it most."
