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AZ Blue Employees Volunteer Over 14,000 Hours to Support Community Health

Press ReleaseCommunityGeneral News Article

From supporting everyday needs to helping communities during extreme heat, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) employees dedicated more than 14,000 volunteer hours in 2025 across the state. 
These efforts reached communities in all 15 counties, helping expand access to food, strengthen heat relief efforts and provide essential supplies – the kinds of support that helps people stay healthy and connected.  
With April recognized as National Volunteer Month, it’s a time to reflect on the role volunteers play in lifting our communities. Each year, AZ Blue employees give their time to support the health and well-being of people across the state. Among the many efforts in 2025, highlights included: 
  • 15,000 heat and first aid kits assembled and distributed, supporting communities during Arizona’s extreme heat.  
  • 8,200 diapers packed for the Arizona Diaper Bank. 
  • 3,200 households received food resources through food distribution events hosted by the Medicaid team at AZ Blue Health Choice.  
  • 2,000 scholastic school success and readiness kits assembled for Title I preschools and community partners. 
  • 1,500 pantry packs prepared for school districts across Arizona.  
  • 750 baby kits assembled with Foster Alliance to support families with young children. 
  • 750 summer fun backpacks assembled to support local Title I and Tribal schools across Arizona. 
  • 500 first responder comfort kits assembled for the City of Surprise Police and Fire departments. 
  • 500 welcome home kits prepared for U.S. VETS Phoenix to support veterans transitioning from homelessness and into permanent housing.  
“We see how factors like access to food, relief from extreme heat, and support for families directly influence a person’s health,” said Paul Penzone, VP and Chief Community Relations Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “At AZ Blue, volunteering is one way we show up — and we give employees dedicated time to do that, so they can step in and help where support is needed most.” 
These efforts are part of AZ Blue in Action — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona’s ongoing commitment to strengthen communities through volunteer work, community investment, and partnerships. That commitment is supported by employees across the organization, including the community reinvestment work carried out by AZ Blue Health Choice. To learn more about this work, visit AZ Blue in Action.   

AZ Blue Employees Volunteer Over 14,0...

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