A word with Curtis Barnett, President and Chief Executive Officer: Celebrating milestones and looking ahead

Celebrating milestones and looking ahead

As we get close to wrapping up our 75th anniversary celebrations at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, I have been thinking of several other milestones we have reached in 2024. It is amazing how healthcare, and our company, have changed over the years.

One of the biggest changes in healthcare came with the enacting of key provisions in the Affordable Care Act in January 2014. Ten years ago, millions of Americans gained healthcare coverage, many for the first time, through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. It was a challenging time for our industry, our company, and our members as we navigated regulations and developed new health plans. I am proud of the way Arkansas Blue Cross stepped up to the challenge and our continued strong presence in the individual marketplace today.

Also 10 years ago, we launched our Summer Intern Program. Over that time, we have hosted 162 students from colleges and universities all over the country. During their time with us, our interns each focus on a development project and work alongside our employees. They get to interact with company executives and learn key lessons about working in a corporate environment. Several of these interns are hired by our company, and some return to college to finish their degrees. The exciting aspect to me about the program is that our interns leave us with the skills to benefit any company for whom they are hired. This program helps keep our company fresh and energized, and it makes our workforce stronger, more innovative and ready to meet the needs of the future.

As is tradition, this year’s 75th anniversary celebration has focused, in large part, to giving back to our communities. We pledged to certify 750 Arkansans in Mental Health First Aid classes, which teach how to identify signs that someone may be struggling with a mental health challenge or substance use disorder and get them to the resources and help they need. We actually exceeded that goal by certifying more than 1,100 people, and the program continues to add to that number. We also dedicated $2,500 each to 75 schools throughout the state for the creation of calming rooms. These rooms are a safe space for students, and sometimes adults, who need a private moment to collect their thoughts or process emotions. You can see the amazing completed calming rooms here: arkbluecross.com/calming-rooms.

A fun note from our archives: BlueAnn Ewe, our children’s health ambassador and beloved mascot came into being in 1994 – turning 30 years young in 2024! Throughout the years, her character has entertained and educated children in Arkansas, teaching them about healthy habits.

While it is satisfying to look back on our accomplishments, we know there is much to do to make healthcare in Arkansas more accessible and affordable
for everyone. As we look to the future, Arkansas Blue Cross is committed to taking good care of Arkansans throughout our state, and we embrace the many milestones to come.