Wellmark Foundation Extends Aid to Iowa Schools Affected by Floods and Tornadoes
The Wellmark Foundation, a nonprofit created by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, has stepped up to help Iowa school districts recover from unprecedented flooding and violent tornadoes. Focusing on improving the health and well-being of young people in Iowa and South Dakota, the Wellmark Foundation donated nearly half a million dollars to help cover the financial gap after insurance and federal and state funding. The donations will be used by schools in Rock Valley, Spencer, Greenfield and Minden to restore the learning environments for students and teachers for the 2024-2025 school year.
"It's important to recognize that when our young people struggle with unmet basic needs, emotional distress or inadequate access to learning, it can significantly impact their ability to lead long, healthy lives. The Wellmark Foundation is dedicated to collaborating with partners and communities in Iowa and South Dakota to find effective solutions that improve the mental health and educational opportunities for our youth," said Laura Jackson, executive vice president of Health Equity, Access and Improvement and Chair of the Wellmark Foundation Board of Directors. “We are in awe of the resilience of these communities and are proud to stand by the students, teachers and administrators as they work toward a stronger future.”
The Wellmark Foundation worked closely with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Education (DOE) and Director McKenzie Snow to determine the communities most in need, concentrating on school districts facing significant challenges. The four identified communities required urgent support to restore the operation of school buildings and replace instructional materials, technology and buses.
“I want to thank the Wellmark Foundation for generously contributing to schools in disaster-impacted communities and for supporting the state’s recovery effort in such a meaningful way,” remarked Governor Kim Reynolds. “These donations have given students, teachers, and entire communities even more to look forward to with the start of a new school year.”
The Wellmark Foundation also coordinated a fundraising and community-building effort with the Wellmark workforce of more than 1,900 employees throughout Iowa and South Dakota. The Wellmark Foundation matched all employee donations made for three weeks in July and August. Employees also created cards for teachers in the four impacted districts, sending messages of encouragement and appreciation as they prepare for the new school year.