Spectra Health and BCBSND Caring Foundation partner to address social drivers of health

Spectra Health's integrated care model, strengthened by the BCBSND Caring Foundation grant, expands access to social services and language support for underserved communities. Staff are pictured in their supply closet that stores hygiene products and food boxes for those facing need.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Meeting basic needs such as food and transportation is the first step toward better health. Spectra Health, a federally qualified health center, is taking that step for patients across North Dakota.

With funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation Health Innovation grant in the spring of 2025, Spectra Health enhanced screening for social drivers of health and launched programs that provide food boxes, emergency support and language services. Social drivers of health are conditions, such as housing, transportation, access to nutritious food and other environmental factors, that shape a person's overall health and well-being.

"This grant funding has allowed Spectra Health to enhance the screening process for social drivers of health within our clinic and improve our ability to respond to those identified needs," said Kayla Hochstetler, director of community engagement and innovation at Spectra Health. "Funding has been used to provide direct assistance to clients experiencing poverty as well as to improve our engagement with the communities around our clinics with the most need."

Key impacts of the grant include:

• Social services: Their team provides direct support for transportation and emergency needs, such as IDs and prescriptions. They also stock a supply shelf with hygiene items for patients facing hardship.
• Transportation needs: They provided transportation assistance to over 225 unique individuals to ensure they received the care they need.
• Food security: Through a partnership with Great Plains Food Bank, patients who screen positive for food insecurity receive immediate access to food boxes during clinic visits. Over 100 food boxes were provided.
• Language access: With nearly 11% of patients needing language support, the grant helped expand translation and interpretation services, making care and materials accessible in 33 unique languages.

"Spectra Health's integrated model meets people where they are and closes everyday gaps, such as transportation, language and specialty care," said Amber Blomberg, executive director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation. "We are excited to support a partner that delivers practical solutions that make a difference."

Accepting letters of intent for 2026 Health Innovation Grant

The BCBSND Caring Foundation is now accepting letters of intent for its spring 2026 Health Innovation Grants. These one-year grants are available to North Dakota nonprofits, municipalities or school districts working to support community-based well-being through new, expanding or innovative programs. Health Innovation Grants aim to foster collaboration, increase community engagement and create lasting, meaningful change.

Letters of intent are due by 5 p.m. (CT) on Saturday, Jan. 31. For more information and to apply, visit bcbsnd.com/innovationgrant.

About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues to help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff collaborate with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, promote shared outcomes and create lasting change.