In addition to PPE kits, the Sabres and BlueCross BlueShield are providing informational signage to display throughout the schools that convey proper CDC guidelines for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, including the importance of social distancing and hand washing. The first shipment arrived at Holland Central School Tuesday. In the coming days, shipments will arrive at Buffalo Public Schools, Elmwood Franklin School, Tapestry Charter Schools, and the Pioneer and Lewiston-Porter districts.
"Safety is always our top priority, and we are deeply committed to doing what we can to make our area schools safe for students and teachers," said Dan Misko, Pegula Sports & Entertainment's Sr. Vice President of Business Development. "We're proud to work together with our partners at BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York to fight the spread of COVID-19 and provide the supplies area teachers need to continue their extremely important work."
"As we navigate these uncharted territories, BlueCross BlueShield will continue to find new ways to step in and support the health and safety of our community," said Julie R. Snyder, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. "We recognize the impact that the pandemic is having on schools, and we're proud to partner with the Buffalo Sabres to help protect our teachers and students so they can continue teaching and learning."
As part of their ongoing efforts to support the community during the pandemic, BlueCross BlueShield donated $1 million to the WNY COVID-19 Response Fund to address the most critical and immediate community needs. The not-for-profit health plan also recently announced it distributed $2.1 million in relief for nearly 150 local primary care provider (PCP) groups through its COVID-19 Provider Relief Program (PRP). This is in addition to an $80,000 donation to 16 local organizations recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, plus a donation of five tons of food for FeedMore WNY by BlueCross BlueShield employees.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Since 1936, BlueCross BlueShield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. BlueCross BlueShield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, BlueCross BlueShield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of our community.For up-to-date news, facts, and information about the company, leadership, and industry, please visit the BlueCross BlueShield News Center at bcbswny.com/news or follow us on Twitter.
About Pegula Sports & Entertainment
Pegula Sports & Entertainment (PSE) streamlines key business areas across all Pegula family-owned sports and entertainment properties including the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans, Rochester Knighthawks, LECOM Harborcenter, Black River Entertainment, ADPRO Sports, PicSix Creative agency and numerous hospitality properties. PSE aims to be a leader in the sports and entertainment industry by bringing together the individual resources, capabilities and talents of each of its entities to create a cohesive and sustainable brand that together represents the Pegula family's interest. PSE's mission is exemplified by its One Buffalo initiative, which unites Western New York and serves as a representation of teamwork through a deeper connection between Buffalo sports teams, fans and the community.
