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Local charity outlines Blue Cross coordinating grant to expand health‑related services in Chase County
Summary
Chase County Care & Compassion leaders described a Blue Cross Blue Shield coordinating grant and five implementing grant pathways including food pantry improvements, trails mapping, behavioral health outreach, youth physical activity and a resource directory.
Representatives of Chase County Care & Compassion (C4) briefed commissioners on a coordinating grant awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield and outlined plans for five implementing grants that would fund projects across health and social‑service pathways.
Carrie (last name not provided) and Rachel (last name not provided) told the commissioners that C4 received the coordinating grant in January and said Chase County is one of 19 Kansas communities selected for the program. The coordinating grant funds planning and partner recruitment; implementing grants will be awarded later to the partner organizations that will carry out specific projects.
The five proposed pathways presented to the board were: - Food pantry packet: improve pantry operations, adopt healthier food guidelines and apply for implementing funds to repair building needs (C4 is already operating a food pantry with a recent Tressler grant, volunteers and distribution work). - Recreational trails: map public trails in Chase County, create digital maps for the chamber and county web pages and produce signage to encourage use; the county was mentioned as a possible fiduciary partner for this work. - Behavioral health: partner with Crosswinds to develop outreach and resources emphasizing mental health and community services. - Youth physical activity: purchase bicycles and transport/storage equipment to run school and weekend bicycle programs with the school district and the recreation commission. - Healthy‑related social needs (resource directory): create a real‑time resource map and directory for new families and residents listing churches, health care, education and service hotlines; Chase County Public Health was discussed as an implementing partner.
C4 leaders described existing operations at the food pantry: distributions that serve roughly 70–80 families per distribution, delivery to housing sites for residents unable to attend, and a Friday food program that provides about 90 bags weekly at a cost the group estimated at $5–$7 per bag. The pantry also provides hygiene products to school‑aged children and adjusts food packages to meet dietary restrictions (peanut, dye and dairy allergies were noted).
Carrie told the commissioners the applying entity must be a preexisting organization with governance documents and financial procedures; C4 serves as the organizational partner but said the implementing partners would receive and manage grant funds for each pathway. The presenters said C4 expects no county funding request at this time and that most technical and implementation support would be provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield program staff.
Commissioners asked about potential county roles; presenters said the county could serve as a fiduciary for one or more projects if needed and welcomed coordination. No formal action or funding request was made during the meeting.
Ending: Commissioners received the update and did not take action; staff said they would consider potential partnership or fiduciary roles if presenters request them in the future.
