Representatives from the American Red Cross Connecticut and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield welcome the new disaster response vehicle into the fleet of Red Cross vehicles. From Left to Right: John Glendon, Red Cross Volunteer, Jill Hummel, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Krista Coletti, Chief Development Officer, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region, Lucian Terranova, Red Cross Connecticut Board Member and Ray Jarvis, Red Cross Connecticut Board Member and Associate General Counsel, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Ribbon cutting ceremony held at Anthem headquarters to welcome new vehicle

The American Red Cross today recognized Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for its gift of a disaster response vehicle to be used in and around the Greater New Haven area.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Anthem’s headquarters in Wallingford to welcome the new vehicle into the Red Cross fleet of disaster response vehicles.

“We are grateful to Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for their generous donation to the Red Cross,” said Krista Coletti, Chief Development Officer, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. “This new vehicle allows the Red Cross to be where we are needed, when we are needed."

When disaster strikes, whether a hurricane, tornado or home fire, Red Cross disaster workers climb into disaster response vehicles and travel to the neighborhoods of those in need, providing food, water, comfort and support.

“Anthem recognizes the need to prepare our communities for natural disasters and is committed to providing the resources necessary to meet the future with confidence” said Jill Hummel, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “We are proud of the critical relief work the American Red Cross provides locally in Connecticut, as well as to millions globally.”

The new 2017 Chevrolet Equinox AWD will be replacing one of the aging vehicles in the American Red Cross fleet based out of the greater New Haven area. The vehicle is vital in supporting service delivery and the generous donation from Anthem will enable the Red Cross to continually assist those in and around the New Haven area.

The new vehicle will be used for disaster action team operations, including responding to home fires, preparedness activities including the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign and Pillowcase Project, disaster operations including large scale disaster response functions, volunteer recruitments and support activities, and general territory management and administrative support activities.

Nationally, the Anthem Foundation is an American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program Member and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region Ready 365 Silver Level Partner.

About Ready 365

Ready 365 Giving Program members are businesses that value the local impact and global reach of the Red Cross; they want to deepen their commitment to our mission; and they are ready to help save lives every day of the year.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/ct or visit us on Twitter at @CTRedCross.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield:

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Connecticut, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut is available atwww.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.