November 17, 2025

Join us April 16-17 for the Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards

Are you passionate about building stronger, more engaged communities? Do you believe that meaningful human connections are the key to improving the health and well-being of all Floridians? Then join us on April 16-17 at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld hotel for the annual Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards.

The theme, "The Power of Connection," highlights the importance of nurturing collaborative relationships and fostering a sense of community. By attending, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Convene with like-minded individuals and organizations
• Discuss critical issues and share innovative solutions
• Learn from experts in the field and gain valuable insights
• Network and build meaningful connections that can lead to lasting impact

Celebrate Excellence in Community Health

On the evening of April 16, we'll announce the winners of the Sapphire Awards, recognizing outstanding programs, organizations, and individuals making a positive impact on community health through connections.

Don't Miss Out: Register Today!

Secure your spot at the 2026 Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards by registering now.

Event Details

• Dates: April 16-17, 2026
• Location: Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld hotel
• Sapphire Award winners: To be announced on the evening of April 16
• Event Registration: Sign up today!

Stay Updated

Monitor your email and the Foundation's website for updates, and don't hesitate to reach out to the Foundation's email with any questions.

Editor's Note: This is the final in a series of articles commemorating the 25-year anniversary of Florida Blue Foundation. This month’s article features the Florida Health Literacy Initiative and a few of the grantees that received mini-grants.

Improving Health Literacy in Florida: A Partnership for Success

The Florida Health Literacy Initiative, a partnership between Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) and Florida Blue Foundation, has made a significant impact on the lives of 27,126 students since its inception in 2009. This initiative aims to integrate health education into adult education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and family literacy programs, empowering students to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

"There is growing recognition that limited English language and literacy skills can have a significant impact on one's health," said Greg Smith, executive director, Florida Literacy Coalition. "Individuals with low literacy and health literacy skills are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, including incorrect medication use, chronic diseases, and longer hospital stays. Through the Florida Health Literacy Initiative, we are making an immediate impact to help people keep themselves and their families healthy while creating sustainable change throughout communities."

By supporting adult education, literacy, and family literacy programs, we can help individuals acquire the skills needed to achieve better health.

Learn more about the Initiative, the grantee organizations, and the students whose lives are healthier as a result of their participation.

Florida Blue Foundation has invested another $2.75 million in eight community-based programs to advance mental well-being efforts in Florida. These initiatives will address critical mental health needs and help grow the pipeline of mental health professionals throughout the state.

"By supporting programs that foster mental well-being across the lifespan -- from children and teens to adults and seniors -- and by helping to increase the pipeline of mental health professionals, we aim to create a ripple effect of hope and healing that will be felt for generations to come,” said Susan Towler, executive director of Florida Blue Foundation. “Our goal is to help mitigate the stressors that can impact entire families and communities, and to ensure that everyone across the state, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.”

Read about the Foundation's latest investments.

GuideWell employees are eager to give back to their communities during the holidays, and year-round. If your nonprofit organization has volunteer projects or events, please share them with us through our GuideWell Gives volunteer portal. Individual, group, in-person, and virtual opportunities are welcome.

Learn how to engage GuideWell employees for volunteer opportunities through the GuideWell Gives portal. Together, we can make a difference in our communities this holiday season.

Since 1997, November has been recognized through presidential proclamations as National Family Caregivers Month. While caregivers should be celebrated every day, now is a time to raise awareness about the challenges caregivers face, connect them with resources, and thank them for their dedication and commitment to loved ones.

Resources for caregivers include:

• Caregiver Action Network
• The National Alliance for Caregiving
• Share the Care
• National Council on Aging
• Family Caregiver Guide

Join us in acknowledging and honoring families who often work tirelessly around the clock to care for their loved ones.

A major study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy finds that U.S. nonprofits are under unprecedented strain—81% report increased demand for services, 68% say current conditions negatively impact their ability to carry out work, and over a third anticipate significant funding losses. This report highlights how organizations are responding—through collaborations, diversifying revenue, and reevaluating operations—while also noting that foundations are adapting with more emergency grants, greater flexibility, and a shifting approach to funding. Learn more.

Click on the links to learn more about the following items:

2026 Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards

• April 16-17 -- Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld - REGISTER NOW!

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