We're teaming up and giving our all to build healthier communities.
Congratulations New York Liberty, 2024 WNBA Champions!
“For more than 85 years, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been committed to improving health outcomes for the people we serve. We’re proud to partner with the Liberty to educate, build awareness, and promote community health initiatives in and around New York City that achieve our shared goal of a healthier community for all.”
— Victor DeStefano, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New York
Addressing Social Injustice and Supporting Communities
Anthem and the NY Liberty have joined forces to make an impact on people's health in our cities focusing on areas such as food insecurity, mental health, or other disparities and social justice issues. It is our shared goal to address drivers of health and issues that impact our communities, and we'll show how in the months to come.
Learn more about how Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is working to improving the health of our communities, with a focus on:
Food Insecurity
- 54 million Americans will face food insecurity this year. Read more about why we are committed to combatting food insecurity. If you need assistance or would like to help, please click here to learn more.
Mental Health
- Our behavioral health affects nearly every aspect of our day-to-day lives, which is why we are taking a whole health approach to improve access, affordability, and outcomes. Learn more about our whole health approach to behavioral healthcare and why it's important.
Health Disparities
- Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health based on their background. We are committed to closing gaps in evidence and driving better standards of care.
Women's Empowerment and Health
- Arming women with information to make the best healthcare choices for themselves and family members will result in healthier individuals and families. Read more about how Anthem is empowering women's healthcare choices.
Our Communities
- Improving health requires taking a broader view and strengthening the communities that are vital in supporting our health. Read more about our work in communities.
Building Healthy Communities Together
These commitments directly align with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s work to address long-standing racial and health inequities facing communities across the country. With the NY Liberty's partnership, we will make a measurable impact on health challenges in our city.
The Latest News
2024 WNBA CHAMPIONS!!
October, 2024
We want to congratulate the players and staff from the New York Liberty on their hard fought and much deserved Championship victory!
2024 will forever be viewed as a pivotal year in the visibility and popularity of women’s sports across the globe, but Anthem has always been proud to be an official New York Liberty partner, long before this amazing season.
Anthem representatives Jonathan Ciprian, Amy Glenn, Juana Cuello and Dievraun (Aubrey) Jackman were able to support the team in person at the Liberty’s City Hall celebration and President Victor DeStefano joined the Liberty when they rang the opening bell at the NYSE.
We are proud of our friends at the New York Liberty and look forward to continuing to make an impact in Brooklyn and NYC.
Liberty Hosts Partners Common Threads and Walter Weaver Elementary students
September 19, 2024
To kick off the new school year, Anthem and the Liberty invited students from Walter Weaver Elementary School to attend their game vs. the Atlanta Dream. Students and their families were treated to an on-court photo after the game!
Women’s Empowerment Night
August 20, 2024
A highlight of the Anthem/Liberty partnership, the annual Women’s Empowerment Night took place on August 20 and featured a pre-game vision board workshop for young women from the Girl Scouts of Greater NY. At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants were invited to watch pre-game warm-ups prior to cheering on the Liberty.
Anthem’s Damitria Richards presented the game ball during the pre-game and the first five hundred fans received a special NYL and Anthem branded makeup bag.
Teaming Up to Spotlight Local Women
Summer 2024
#ShineLoudSunday is a Liberty and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield campaign dedicated to recognizing local women who are changemakers, business leaders or entrepreneurs advocating for social justice, gender equality, environmental justice, wellness, and much more.
This summer’s honorees were recognized at the Women’s Empowerment game presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, visit https://liberty.wnba.com/shineloudsunday to learn more!
Anthem Joins the Liberty at the Inaugural Brooklyn Dribble
August 10, 2024
As part of their SummerPalooza programming, the NY Liberty hosted the first ever edition of the Brooklyn Dribble. The event tipped off at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 and concluded with a Fan Fest at Pier 2.
Participants had the opportunity to dribble through a one-mile course with incredible views of Manhattan, while taking home their very own exclusive NY Liberty basketball and t-shirt.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield joined the fun at the Fan Fest included music, NY Liberty performances, photobooth, facepainting, giveaways and more!
New York Liberty Pep Rally at Walter Weaver Elementary School
May 10, 2024
The New York Liberty and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield celebrated the fourth year of their partnership and kicked off the 2024 WNBA season with a Pep Rally and resource fair in support of the Walter Weaver Elementary School community.
After a morning of assisting in the Common Threads cooking classes, the New York Liberty mascot Ellie was joined by Liberty DJ Ty-Michelle, Z100 radio personality Skeery Jones and a variety of local nonprofit organizations to celebrate the start of the 2024 New York Liberty season.
#ShineLoudSunday Presented by Empire BlueCross BlueShield
May-December, 2023
Shine Loud Sunday is an ongoing campaign dedicated to recognizing local women who are changemakers, business leaders and entrepreneurs advocating for social justice, gender equality, environmental justice, wellness and much more. Eleven outstanding women were recognized via social media and honored in person at Liberty games throughout the season. For more information about the program, visit nyliberty.com/shineloudsunday
Empire Donates Tickets to Libs 4 Kids Platform
May-September, 2023
Empire's partnership contributed to the team's "Libs 4 Kids" platform, which supports a child’s first WNBA game at Barclays Center. Approximately 400 tickets were donated from Empire for the 2023 Liberty season on behalf of the partnership! Together, we can continue to work towards filling the gaps in opportunity faced by so many in our communities.
Women's Health Game – Presented by Empire BCBS
August 6, 2023
Outside of the Barclays Center, fans were treated to a number of pre-game activities designed to celebrate and support women’s health. A mobile mammogram truck was on hand to conduct the test and help schedule future appointments, while Shape-Up NYC got the crowd moving with free cardio dance and Zumba sessions. Empire BlueCross BlueShield also provided practical and fun giveaways for fans of all ages!
Women’s Empowerment Night – Presented by Empire BCBS
July 27, 2023
Empire BlueCross BlueShield and the Liberty teamed up to host a very special pre-game women’s empowerment workshop hosted by fitness and fashion influencer and entrepreneur CeCe Olisa. The session was based on Cece’s TedTalk “Building Self-Confidence for the Life You Want” and was designed to help women build confidence through wellness, beauty, and fashion.
The 75 attendees were encouraged to actively participate in exercises such as goal setting and 2023 reflections and received custom affirmation cards as a take home gift.
Empire joins New York Liberty for pep rally to support Food Bank for NYC’s ‘Woman to Woman’ campaign
April 11, 2023
The tenants of Penn1 were treated to a special party with a purpose, kicking off the 2023 New York Liberty season while collecting hygiene products for the Food Bank for NYC’s Woman to Woman campaign. This campaign raises critical funds to assemble and distribute hygiene kits to women and girls facing poverty in New York City. The hygiene kits are designed to cover two months’ worth of menstrual products and save individuals anywhere from $90 to $100 for those covered months.
Empire executives Alan Murray and Dr. Mark Levy were joined by Liberty CEO Keia Clarke, who gave a sneak peak into the upcoming season. The Liberty’s Team Hype attended the event along with fan favorite mascot Ellie the Elephant to get the crowd hyped up!
Thanks to support from Vornado Realty Trust, nearly 150 fans attended and even more made donations.
Empire BlueCross BlueShield and the Liberty honor NYC women leaders with Shine Loud Sunday
February-December, 2022
Sponsored by Empire, #ShineLoudSunday is a bi-weekly video interview series that highlights inspirational women across the greater-NYC area who advocate for equality, social justice, environmental justice, wellness, and much more. Together, the Liberty and Empire highlighted 20 women throughout 2022!
For more information about the program, visit nyliberty.com/shineloudsunday.
Empire BlueCross BlueShield, iHeartMedia and the Liberty partner with nonprofit Common Threads
December 8, 2022
As a continuation of Empire BlueCross BlueShield’s commitment to addressing access to healthy food and nutrition education for the NYC community, Empire, iHeartMedia and the Liberty joined national nonprofit Common Threads for a special nutrition showcase at Walter Weaver Elementary School.
Common Threads’ interactive and culturally responsive approach to cooking and nutrition education was celebrated with student-led cooking demonstrations and a healthy food distribution, with Stefanie Dolson (Center for the Liberty) making a special appearance and the Liberty's Physical Therapist, Joelle Muro, leading fitness activities for kids during the event.
Common Threads programs provide students, families and staff with cooking and nutrition education designed to encourage lifelong healthy habits. Thursday’s Student Showcase event was the culmination of the Small Bites series of interactive nutrition and culinary programming, highlighted by a student-led cooking demonstration to show off the skills they learned throughout the week.
New York Liberty, Empire and Breaking Ground team up to provide care packages and collect winter gear donations
November 9, 2022
The New York Liberty teamed up with Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Breaking Ground to create over 500 care packages for residents of Breaking Ground’s safe haven transitional residences across New York City. Breaking Ground’s mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by developing and sustaining supportive and affordable housing and programs for vulnerable New Yorkers.
Volunteers for the event were tasked with packing reusable water bottles, long-sleeve tshirts, crew socks, and a thoughtful, handwritten note. Plus, they collected winter wear to help as the temperatures drop.
Empire BlueCross BlueShield hosts Family Fun & Fit Fest at P.S. 398 Walter Weaver
November 5, 2022
During the Family Fun & Fit Fest at P.S. 398 Walter Weaver, community members enjoyed live music, health screenings and education, along with a produce distribution provided by the Food Bank For New York City. Our partners from the NY Liberty joined the event to handout team giveaways to attendees.
NY Liberty, LA Sparks and Empire BlueCross BlueShield join forces to provide food coast to coast
October 26, 2022
The NY Liberty teamed up with the Los Angeles Sparks and Empire BlueCross BlueShield to provide food for their local communities, partnering with City Harvest in New York and the LA Regional Food Bank in Los Angeles, to give much-needed nutrition to over 1,000 families.
Empire BlueCross BlueShield and the NY Liberty Celebrate Women's Empowerment Night
June 1, 2022
Empire BlueCross BlueShield and the NY Liberty celebrated an inspiring Women's Empowerment Night on June 1, 2022. To mark the occasion, Deborah Ruggiero, MS, RN, MCHES®, Clinical Programs Manager for Empire joined Moderator Jess Sims and panelists Danielle Du Toit, President, SeatGeek and Keia Clarke, CEO, NY Liberty to discuss experience and share advice around the topic, "Own Your Advocacy." Deborah spoke about health advocacy, and shared a three step process to empower women: Create your healthcare team, prepare and share! On court, #ShineLoudSunday honorees, Laura Brosen RN, MSJ & Ariana Butler-Bass, earned recognition for their commitment to New York's communities.
Empire BlueCross BlueShield and the Liberty provide ongoing support to P.S. 398
April 1, 2022
In a city with an abundance of food options, can you believe that some of our New York City neighbors live in food deserts, where access to healthy, affordable food is limited? Empire BlueCross BlueShield and the New York Liberty understand the importance of a healthy diet, and have teamed up to make sure the PS 398 Walter Weaver School community can regularly access nutritious food. With a new food pantry and monthly fresh produce distributions, we are working to build a healthier community.
The Liberty join Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Heart of America and iHeartMedia Unveil New On-Site Food Pantry at P.S. 398 in Brooklyn
November 9, 2021
With a goal to help address food insecurity in New York City, the partners unveiled a fully functional food pantry at P.S. 398 Walter Weaver Elementary School complete with refrigeration that will allow for the inclusion of fresh produce and perishables.
Empire associate volunteers put the finishing touches on the project prior to a ribbon cutting ceremony that featured leaders from the school, the Liberty and local community. Principal Ariana Butler-Bass stated that "without healthy food, kids can’t learn…this pantry is going to help with that!"
Launched in September, the Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Heart of America, iHeartMedia and Liberty collaboration has already distributed more than 10,000 pounds of food to local students, families and community members. The food pantry will be stocked monthly with an array of healthy, shelf stable items.
Empire BlueCross BlueShield Launches Partnership to Impact Food Insecurity at P.S. 398 Walter Weaver Elementary School
September 2, 2021
National nonprofit Heart of America and Empire BlueCross BlueShield, in partnership with iHeartMedia and the Liberty, announced today an effort aimed at serving under-resourced communities in New York City by addressing hunger and food insecurity at P.S. 398 in Brooklyn. As part of Heart of America’s mission to transform educational spaces into modern learning environments, they will lead the construction of an on-site food pantry which will help increase access to fresh and shelf-stable meals for Walter Weaver Elementary students and their families.
Volunteers from Empire and the Liberty kicked off the project today with a food distribution for the students and families, with the Liberty also providing backpacks of school supplies for the students.
New York Liberty UNITY Post-Game Panel Discussion
July 27, 2021
On July 11, Empire BlueCross BlueShield served as the presenting sponsor of the New York Liberty’s fifth annual UNITY Day game, with programming focused on the health disparities and inequities faced by women of color.
In partnership with Empire, the team hosted a postgame panel discussion focused on addressing health disparities faced by Black women. The panel featured Dr. Teresa Yvonne Smith, an emergency physician who has dedicated her training to working in New York City’s urban communities; Diane Nisbet, Business Change Director on Empire’s Medicaid Team, who focuses on strategic initiatives to address health-related social needs for Empire’s most vulnerable members; and Trixie Kloko-Kamps, a certified midwife at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Before the game, community members and fans had the opportunity to sign up for a free mammogram at a local clinic and visit an Empire van on the Barclays Center Plaza to receive health information.
Watch the panel discussion video at liberty.wnba.com.
Empire Teams up with iHeart Media and Heart of America
July 12, 2021
Empire has teamed up with iHeart Media and Heart of America to help schools across the country expand their access to nutritious foods as a way to improve health. By creating customized solutions like learning gardens, food pantries and teaching kitchens, we aim to provide practical, sustainable resources that will help schools in their nutrition efforts.
Heart of America (HOA), founded in 1997, transforms educational spaces into modern learning environments so that students, families, and communities can learn and grow. The organization has led in addressing education inequity across the United States for nearly 25 years by delivering high-quality resources and engaging spaces to underserved students and campuses to reduce the digital divide and close the resource gap. HOA has rebuilt and revitalized more than 700 educational spaces including libraries, technology labs, science labs, health clinics, auditoriums, recreation/community centers, and more.
iHeartMedia, the number one audio company in the United States, joins the collaboration as a national awareness-building partner in Empire's commitment to addressing food insecurity in under-resourced communities.
The New York Liberty and Empire BlueCross BlueShield are joining forces to address health inequities and advocate for women in greater New York communities.
May 13, 2021
As part of the Liberty's multi-year agreement, Empire BlueCross BlueShield will become presenting partner of the New York Liberty's Women's Empowerment platform, Breast Health Awareness platform and National Days of Recognition activations, all of which will have an amplified focus on Brooklyn and greater New York City. Empire and the Liberty will also team up to recognize women throughout New York who are making a positive impact in their communities, through the yearlong #ShineLoudSunday social media campaign.