Heather Krier

Wellmark Blue • 25th March 2024

Lifestyle essentials for a healthy heart One woman's heart attack story

According to the World Heart Federation®External Site, 80 percent of cardiovascular disease can be prevented through a healthy diet, physical activity, avoiding tobacco and knowing your numbers such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, Christa Moore knows what it’s like to be part of the 20 percent who can’t.

Wellmark Blue • 25th March 2024

How to advocate for your health during a cancer diagnosis

While there is no certain way to prevent cancer, there are certain risk factors that increase the probability of it. About 10 years ago, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield network administration analyst Teresa Russo-Dyer found out just how quickly one phone call can change everything. She was at work when a nurse called and said, “You have cancer, and we’re sending you to a general surgeon.”

The Wellmark Foundation Site • 25th March 2024

Iowa students benefit from conferences

The Wellmark Foundation partnered with Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) by providing $25,000 to assist with two fall leadership conferences ─ in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids ─ as well as, a spring career development conference. This state-based national nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting young people with project-based learning, trauma informed care and employer engagement.

The Wellmark Foundation Site • 25th March 2024

Volunteering to build a better Sioux Falls

Kari Garcia, a Lead Business Systems Analyst in the Sioux Falls office, has long known the benefits of volunteering and giving back to the community. Her parents were always volunteering and set the example for her at an early age that giving back is a small, impactful thing she could do to be grateful for what she had, while also helping others in need.

“I have been blessed with my health, family, friends and the ability to work, and that has allowed me to never feel hunger, always have clothe

The Wellmark Foundation Site • 25th March 2024

A passion for pedaling turns into volunteering

Sr. Business Systems Analyst Pearl Fernandes first picked up a bike in 2020 during the pandemic. It was nice outdoors and she wanted to be able to go and explore central Iowa. Pearl is originally from India and moved to the states just a few years ago.

“In India, they don’t have many bike trails and people usually don’t ride bicycles,” said Pearl. “Iowa has such beautiful trails, and the Greater Des Moines Trail System is so wonderfully connected, and I’ve become an experienced trail rider.”

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The Wellmark Foundation Site • 25th March 2024

South Dakota students hone leadership skills

The Wellmark Foundation is partnering with Jobs for America's Graduates South Dakota (JAG-SD) External Link through a $15,400 contribution that supports a fall leadership development and a spring career development conference. In October 2021, more than 40 JAG-SD students from nine schools were provided an opportunity to come together in Rapid City and learn about careers in the health care industry.

The Wellmark Foundation is proud to support initiatives — like JAG-SD — that positively impact

Wellmark Newsroom • 12th July 2022

Press Release: Columbus Junction wins Wellmark ‘Set the Pace’ Challenge for 2022 Grand Blue Mile

Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® announced the
community of Columbus Junction will receive $10,000 for winning the Wellmark Set the Pace Challenge as part of the 2022 Grand Blue Mile.

Wellmark Newsroom • 11th July 2022

Press Release: $96,500 awarded to Iowa and South Dakota communities from Wellmark’s 3-Point Play program

Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® is awarding six communities in Iowa and South Dakota funds ranging between $11,000 and $19,000 as part of its 3-Point Play program with university partners across both states.