Photo left-right: Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BCBS Utica Regional President, Elyse Enea, Executive Director HCHN, Shayna Keller, Community Investments & Partnerships Manager, Utica Region
Herkimer County HealthNet is the recipient of a $2,500 Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Health and Wellness Award. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Health and Wellness awards focus on community investments to support programs and initiatives that improve health and health outcomes for community members and help them live healthier and more secure lives. The funds will contribute to the installation of the Herkimer Community Garden that has been approved to be built at The Tony Baggetta Mini Park located at the corner of Smith Street and William Street.
“We are thankful to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for their funding and support of the Herkimer Community Garden. Community gardens continue to be a vital part of the social infrastructure in our community,” said Elyse Enea, Executive Director of Herkimer County HealthNet. “Our goal for this garden is to beautify the landscape on Main Street, make fresh produce accessible, and provide a space for educational opportunities.”
“The company’s Health and Wellness awards demonstrate a corporate commitment to support local organizations that share our mission as a nonprofit health plan,” states Eve Van de Wal, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Regional President. “Access to nutritious fresh food is vital to the health and wellbeing of our communities and we are pleased to support Herkimer County HealthNet with this essential community health funding to develop a community garden.”
The garden will offer hands-on learning opportunities for Herkimer community residents, provide fresh, local produce, and create a space to learn about sustainable gardening techniques and healthy eating strategies.
The Mission of the Herkimer County HealthNet is to improve the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, play, and learn in Herkimer County.