Wichita, Kansas — The Greater Wichita YMCA today announced a partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) to support comprehensive health and wellness initiatives offered by the Y that improve the well-being of entire communities while also addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations. As part of the collaboration, BCBSKS will provide support for the Hutchinson YMCA capital campaign.
The $2 million gift from BCBSKS expands on an already impactful partnership between the two organizations to encourage Kansans in the Y’s service area to prioritize healthy living. The Y currently has 12 branches in Sedgwick, Harvey, Reno, McPherson and Butler counties.
“At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we believe that health isn’t just about doctor visits—it’s about access to programs and resources that help people live richer lives,” said Matt All, BCBSKS President/CEO. “By partnering with the Greater Wichita YMCA, we’re helping to create a community space where people feel connected, supported and inspired to live their best lives. We’re proud to invest in a future where health and well-being are within reach for everyone.”
The gift from BCBSKS will benefit various programs in Central Kansas, including: nutrition classes for kids and adults; free chronic disease support programs, such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA for cancer survivors at all stages of treatment and recovery and the Parkinson’s Support Program that optimizes function and enhances quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease; the free SPLASH! water-safety program for second graders at schools in Wichita and surrounding areas; and the Hutchinson YMCA capital campaign that will provide a new 75,000-square-foot facility with first-rate amenities, places for families to connect and programs that provide safe spaces for youth.
“We thank Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas for this extremely generous donation that will allow us to break down even more barriers to bringing life-changing opportunities to the individuals who need them most,” said Greater Wichita YMCA President and CEO Ronn McMahon. “What we do is transformational. At the Y, you can find people of all ages with diverse life experiences, financial backgrounds, physical abilities and health conditions all under the same roof with the same goal of growing into the best version of themselves in mind, body and spirit.”
A groundbreaking was held in December with the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System for the new state-of-the-art Hutchinson Y with an anticipated opening date in 2026. The Y will become the front door of health care in Reno County.
It’s a designation that Brad Dillon, Hutchinson Y capital campaign chair and prominent community leader, knows will only be reinforced through the BCBSKS investment.
"The meaningful contribution from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas will be instrumental in advancing this project and strengthening our community’s vision for a healthier and more connected tomorrow,” Dillon said.
To learn more about Y facilities, programs and services, go to ymcawichita.org.
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ABOUT THE GREATER WICHITA YMCA
Since 1885, The Greater Wichita YMCA has been volunteer-led and mission driven to promote healthy lifestyles, strong families and positive youth development for all in Central Kansas. Today, we employ more than 1,400 individuals and serve well over 300,000 of our neighbors in Butler, Harvey, Reno, McPherson and Sedgwick Counties. We support a healthy spirit, mind, and body through community development, education and wellness initiatives, youth and family programs, licensed child care and camp, and physical activity. Our more than 190,000 members have access to over one million square feet of fitness space across our 12 area branch locations in Andover, El Dorado, Newton, McPherson, Hutchinson and Wichita as well as four seasonal, outdoor water parks, three indoor/outdoor sports complexes, Camp Hyde and Camp Hiawatha. Our annual Strong Community Campaign, which funds our free and reduced-cost programs and enables scholarships, grants and income-based member and program pricing for those who qualify, allows us to honor our commitment to serve all, regardless of their ability to pay. Learn more at ymcawichita.org.
ABOUT BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF KANSAS
For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.