Florida Blue, the state’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan and its parent company GuideWell, will donate an initial $1 million to support relief and recovery efforts across Florida. The funds will help communities affected by the unprecedented destruction of Hurricane Ian, which could total nearly $75 billion in damages.

“While we are only beginning to see a glimpse into the devastation left behind from this powerful hurricane, our hearts go out to everyone impacted along its path,” Pat Geraghty says, Florida Blue and GuideWell president and CEO. “The communities that make up the fabric of our state are incredibly resilient, but many will need our support to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The entire GuideWell and Florida Blue family, driven by our mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, stands ready to do our part.”

Donations will be given as general funds to local, regional and statewide nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross, local United Way affiliates and Volunteer Florida’s Disaster Fund to facilitate funding where it is most needed. Along with the $1 million donation in relief efforts, Florida Blue has launched several resources to support the health and well-being of Floridians impacted by the storm, regardless of their insurance status. Florida Blue also works directly with its most vulnerable members to help them during the aftermath. The insurer’s teams of nurses are reaching out to members with special needs and chronic conditions requiring ongoing management and other vulnerable members to check on their health and safety and offer assistance accessing necessary medical supplies, medications and other essential items.