NEWS RELEASE
New Grant Program Awards $632,590 in Grants to Enhance Health Care for Upper Peninsula Seniors
Teddy Lemmer
| 3 min read
DETROIT, Dec. 2, 2025 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation (BCBSM Foundation), in partnership with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and Superior Health Foundation, is proud to announce it has awarded $632,590 in grants to 14 organizations through the Investing in the Health of the Upper Peninsula grant program. The grants will support the health and well-being of older adults in the Upper Peninsula through caregiving initiatives, care coordination, chronic disease prevention, workforce development and programs to reduce isolation and loneliness.
"By partnering with these dedicated organizations, we are able to deliver grant funding that truly makes a difference in the lives of Upper Peninsula seniors," said Tiffany Albert, senior vice president of Community Relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and president of the BCBSM Foundation. "Their deep community knowledge and innovative programs are vital and far-reaching. Together with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and Superior Health Foundation, we are proud to award these grant recipients and look forward to the lasting impact of these investments—strengthening the infrastructure of care, improving senior health and ultimately, making health care more affordable."
Older adults play a vital role in communities throughout Michigan, yet they often encounter unique challenges affecting their health and well-being. Issues such as increased isolation, loneliness and chronic illness contribute to greater reliance on home health care, assisted living and nursing facilities. In this context, the intersection of health, social and economic support is crucial. Limited access to essentials like food, transportation and social interaction can further undermine health outcomes. Additionally, many Upper Peninsula communities grapple with shrinking tax bases, reduced services, and caregiver shortages, making it even more difficult to address the complex needs of older adults.
To address these unique challenges, the BCBSM Foundation, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and Superior Health Foundation established this grant program to advance a comprehensive approach for supporting older adults in the Upper Peninsula. The region has a significantly higher proportion of residents aged 65 and older—23%, compared to the state average of 18%. Ensuring access to health care, social support and caregiver programs is essential to strengthening health outcomes and overall well-being in the region.
"Every Michigan resident deserves to have the resources and support they need to age well, and the Health Fund is committed to improving access to those resources in collaboration with community providers and funders,” said Tim Niyonsenga, senior program officer at Michigan Health Endowment Fund. “In the Upper Peninsula, older adults and caregivers face unique circumstances that call for local solutions and local expertise. We’re excited to partner with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Superior Health Foundations to help these outstanding grantee organizations build stronger aging supports for communities across the region.”
“These grants directly address the realities older adults in the Upper Peninsula face every day—limited access to services, long travel distances for care and increasing social isolation,” said Megan Murphy, chief executive officer of the Superior Health Foundation. “By investing in organizations that understand these challenges firsthand, we’re strengthening the supports that help U.P. seniors stay healthy, connected and independent."
A full list of organizations were awarded funding can be found here.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides and administers health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies who reside outside the state. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com and MIBlueDaily.com. For more on the BCBSM Foundation, visit bcbsm.com/foundation.
