Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Invests in Healthy Communities, Healthy Employees

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado, a leading health insurance company in the state and across the country, agreed to again to be the presenting sponsor for the 15th consecutive year of the 2020 Anthem Fight For Air Climb at Republic Plaza. The company’s continued investment funds life-saving research and local programs to support clean air and healthy lungs.

Anthem also encourages employees to participate in the event through their team. Last year, the team had 18 members. Some participate to memorialize or honor a loved one who has suffered from lung disease or lung cancer, and others climb for the physical challenge.

The Anthem Fight For Air Climb, set for March 1, attracts thousands of Colorado residents who race up the stairs of Republic Plaza (56 floors, 1,098 steps) in an effort to raise awareness and money to fight lung disease across the nation.

“Through events like the Fight For Air Climb, we are able to fund our work to improve air quality, educate residents on lung health and help people who suffer from lung disease,” said Ellen Penrod, Executive Director for the Lung Association. “But we can’t do it alone. Our partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield helps us provide vital support to our community. From funding asthma education, to providing resources to those suffering from lung cancer, this support changes people’s lives every day for the better.”

“For more than 75 years, Anthem has been committed to improving the lives of Colorado residents and the health of communities across the state,” said Charles Ritz, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado. “The Fight for Air Climb plays a key role in promoting clean air and healthy lungs and represents one more step toward finding a cure for lung disease. We are pleased to join the community in this fight.”

In Colorado, more than 600,000 people suffer from lung disease, including more than 2,300 who battle lung cancer. The Fight For Air Climb raises awareness for lung disease, raises money for life-saving research, and funds critical local programing like educational programs to help local children better manage their asthma and free programs to help locals quit smoking during this underlying epidemic.

Registration for the 2012 Anthem Fight For Air Climb is currently open online or by calling 303-388-4327.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter @AnthemBCBS_News and @AnthemBCBS or find us on Facebook.