SAVE is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas initiative that was introduced in early 2001 to assist employees who are in physically, emotionally or sexually abusive relationships. SAVE stands for Shield Against Violent Environments.
The intent of SAVE is to let BCBSKS employees know that if they are in such a relationship, they are not alone. BCBSKS is committed to providing them a safe place to work, along with access to community resources.
SAVE puts in place a formal corporate statement and policy regarding domestic violence. It also encourages employees who are victims to come forth to confidentially receive assistance.
Developing SAVE for BCBSKS employees is just one part of an overall program to support domestic violence initiatives. Representatives from the company also are working with local, regional and national coalitions on a variety of other activities. Some corporate monies are being used for charitable donations and in-kind services to support domestic violence projects.
Blue Cross served as the major sponsor for the fifth consecutive year for the Safe Homes, Safe Streets conference held in February 2009. Safe Home, Safe Streets is an awareness and advocacy day coordinated by the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence that serves to gather advocates and those working with domestic violence victims in Kansas to discuss legislative policies regarding domestic violence.
Other recent activities include a keynote address by a Blue Cross employee to the Franklin County Women's Transitional Care Services, a provider for domestic violence victims that focuses on educating the community on these issues; and ongoing efforts with the YWCA of Topeka to promote Week Without Violence each October.
Past initiatives supported by BCBSKS include the Wichita Area Corporate Luncheon in October 2001, the Topeka Area Corporate Luncheon in October 2002, and the Emporia Area Corporate Luncheon in November 2007. At the luncheons, representatives of each city's largest employers were invited to hear presentations on the effects of domestic violence in the workplace.
- Back -