December 2018

Blue Door Neighborhood Center^SM Breaks Ground to Break Down Health Care Barriers

By: Dr. Derek J. Robinson, M.D., MBA, FACEP, CHCQM, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL)

In last month’s Blue Review, we talked about the maternal health crisis, with an emphasis on recognizing health care inequities that need to be addressed to start reversing the trend in rising rates of pregnancy-related deaths. For example, women with limited English proficiency may be less likely to seek care because it’s hard to explain their needs and concerns. If they do go to the doctor, they may not understand the instructions or treatment their doctor prescribes. Of course, the problem extends beyond pre- and post-natal care, and, as noted in last month’s article, we need to start finding ways to increase health care awareness in new, community settings where some of our members may feel more at ease.

Educating our members and increasing access to health care where our members live, work and play is an ongoing priority at BCBSIL. With this objective in mind, I’m pleased to share that, this month, we will officially break ground on The Blue Door Neighborhood Center in Chicago's historic Pullman community. Located in the 111th Street Gateway Retail Center, just west of Doty Avenue, the Blue Door Neighborhood Center marks the first time in the history of our company that we’ve had brick-and-mortar presence in our local communities. 

The Blue Door Neighborhood Center will allow BCBSIL to make health insurance more accessible by helping our current members better understand their health care benefits and access care coordinator services. It will also give us the opportunity to meet with potential members face-to-face to help them find affordable coverage, possibly for the first time.

In describing BCBSIL’s vision for the Blue Door Neighborhood Center, Clarita Santos, Executive Director, Community Health Initiatives, says: “We hope to offer a welcoming place that promotes health literacy – helping people get health care related information that’s easy to understand and use. We want to help increase awareness about common health conditions and the importance of preventive care, such as getting routine screenings, eating healthy foods and staying active. Getting the conversation started is just the beginning, though. We also want to help link people with community resources and services that may be able to help address specific health conditions and related concerns.”

Opening in spring 2019, the Blue Door Neighborhood Center will provide:

• Free wellness classes with a focus on nutrition and health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease and behavioral health
• Information to help residents better use their health insurance benefits
• Connection with community resources that provide access to food or transportation services
• Help with care coordination

Programs and classes will be open to everyone and provided at no cost. In addition, childcare may be available while residents attend the center's programs. Most importantly, the Blue Door Neighborhood Center will serve as a public gathering place where residents and community organizations may come together to learn and grow in a supportive environment.

If you have patients who live in the Pullman or Roseland areas, feel free to tell them to watch for the Blue Door Neighborhood Center and spread the word to others in their community.

You may ask, “What about your patients from communities where health care disparities may exist?” Consider the social determinants of health that may affect your patients’ willingness or ability to follow through on your recommended treatment. Ask if your patients have questions to ensure they understand. Offer to make screening appointments for them, if applicable. Ask when and where they will be filling prescriptions. Your connection with your patients is vital and we applaud your efforts to communicate with each patient as an individual, considering their unique needs and history.

Learn more about Dr. Derek J. Robinson

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to third party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organizations. Any questions regarding those organizations should be addressed to them directly. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.