CHEYENNE, Wyo. – For more than 35 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wyoming’s (BCBSWY) Caring Foundation has supported programs and partnerships that improve the health and well-being of people across the state. In 2026, the Caring Foundation invested more than $350,000 in Wyoming programs that allow thousands of people to access resources promoting health, well-being and personal growth.
“We believe healthy communities are built through partnerships,” said Kris Urbanek, BCBSWY President and CEO. “The organizations we support are doing important work every day, and we’re proud to be able to help them reach more people and create lasting change.”
One of the Caring Foundation’s longest-standing partnerships is with the Wyoming Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. Since 2015 the Foundation has supported the Healthy Habits program, helping Wyoming children develop healthy relationships with food, physical activity, wellness, and each other.
The partnership continues to grow and now includes youth mental health that supports trauma-informed training, with most Boys and Girls Clubs in Wyoming achieving ‘advanced’ status in trauma-informed practices through this work.
The Caring Foundation is also investing in the future of Wyoming’s health care workforce. Since 2016, the Foundation’s workforce scholarship program has helped nursing and health care students pursue their education, with a particular focus on strengthening the rural health care workforce. Each year scholarships are provided through Wyoming’s seven community colleges to students who want to advance their careers by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Wyoming. Five additional scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the University of Wyoming Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program who intend to practice in a clinic setting in-state after graduation. Since 2016, 95 scholarships have been awarded, with 15 DNP scholars currently practicing in Wyoming.
“These scholarships are an investment in people who will come back and care for their neighbors,” Urbanek said. “That is meaningful in our state, where access to health care can depend on having providers close to home.”
New partnerships for the Caring Foundation include support for the Still Me Foundation. A recently formed non-profit based in Natrona County that supports older Wyoming residents who face barriers to health care. Still Me helps with services such as vision, dental and hearing care, transportation, mobility equipment, and adult day services. By helping to remove financial and logistical obstacles, these programs can help older adults remain independent and connected to their communities.
Lona Cantine cofounded the Still Me Foundation in July 2025, to provide financial assistance to older adults living on limited incomes, including those experiencing physical or cognitive challenges. “The Foundation’s work is about far more than paying for health services, equipment, or supportive care. We’re helping a grandmother read stories to her grandchildren. We’re helping an older adult hear and participate with family, friends, and their faith community. We’re helping people remain connected to the world around them,” said Cantine.
With support from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Caring Foundation, the Still Me Foundation has already begun making a difference. The organization recently assisted a grandmother raising three grandchildren in obtaining desperately needed dental care and helped two individuals living with dementia access adult day services, providing critical relief for their caregivers. “As a new nonprofit, receiving support from the Caring Foundation is both encouraging and meaningful,” said Cantine. “Their investment allows us to help older adults remain in the place they love most- home”.
That same focus on strengthening communities can be seen across the Caring Foundation’s investments throughout Wyoming. Wyoming Enrichment Network’s Time to Thrive initiative, provides youth with opportunities outside of traditional school days. The initiative brings together educators, caregivers, mentors, youth professionals, and community leaders to strengthen positive youth development statewide.
In April, the Caring Foundation supported St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Casper, by offering Soul Shop, a two-day train-the-trainer program that equipped more than 100 faith leaders to support individuals and families affected by suicide.
It also renewed support for Habitat for Humanity’s Fresh Start Fund at Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County, Teton County, Eastern Bighorns and Mountain Spirit, in addition to Wyoming Hunger Initiative.
These partnerships reflect the Caring Foundation’s broader philosophy: healthier communities are built when people have the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive.
BCBSWY Contact: Abbey Palma, 307.432.2709, [email protected]
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming (BCBSWY) is a community-based, not-for-profit health insurer and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Rooted in Wyoming for 80 years, our mission is to provide our members with access to local health insurance solutions that prioritize health, care, and well-being for those who call Wyoming home. With eight locations across Wyoming, we provide hometown service to residents and businesses while serving people and non-profit organizations in our communities and around the state. Learn more about us at BCBSWY.com.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Foundation of Wyoming: As a caring community, BCBSWY has been involved in promoting the good health and well-being of Wyoming residents by participating in and contributing to many health-related charities and causes. In 1990, BCBSWY established the Caring Foundation of Wyoming to help sustain this mission. The Caring Foundation of Wyoming focuses its support through charitable giving. For more information, visit www.bcbswy.com/company_info/foundation