PRESS RELEASE

Lorina Marshall-Blake honored by American Heart Association

IBC Foundation president recognized for her commitment to improving community health

Philadelphia, PA – September 12, 2015

Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, today was honored by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association for her commitment to help create a sustainable culture of health in the region. The recognition was made at the AHA’s Silent No More Power of Laughter Health Conference held at First District Plaza in Philadelphia.

Marshall-Blake serves as the AHA’s Multicultural Leadership Chair and is a member of the Diversity Leadership Committee. Silent No More is a part of the American Heart Association's efforts related to the Power To End Stroke campaign — an education and awareness campaign embracing and celebrating the culture, energy, creativity and lifestyles of African and Hispanic Americans.  It unites the community to help make an impact on the high incidence of stroke within these populations. Its focus is on providing an event for the community designed to empower and educate people on their own ability to live the healthiest life possible. The Power of Laughter conference includes a comedic approach to factors such as stress and mental wellness.

Marshall-Blake joined Independence Blue Cross in 1991 working with local, state, and federal legislators on matters relevant to Independence Blue Cross. In October of 2011, she became the president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, and helped to define its mission to lead solutions for a healthier community. Today, under Marshall-Blake’s leadership, the $65 million Independence Blue Cross Foundation has established itself as a philanthropic force locally, regionally, and nationally, earning the 2014 Corporate Foundation of the Year award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Philadelphia Chapter.

Marshall-Blake’s commitment to service is exemplified throughout her professional and personal life. She has been honored for her leadership and community service by numerous organizations such as the NAACP, Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, Philadelphia Tribune, League of Women Voters, Philadelphia Business Journal, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. She also serves as a spokesperson for the local chapter of the American Heart Association. In addition, Marshall-Blake serves on 25 non-profit boards and committees, sharing her expertise and network.

Among the prestigious organizations that she volunteers with are the United Way Women’s Initiative, Pennsylvania Conference for Women, Philadelphia Leadership Foundation, Urban Affairs Coalition, Women’s Leadership Forum, and the Urban League of Philadelphia. Since 2011 she has served as President of the Omega Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

About the Independence Blue Cross Foundation:
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is a charitable, private foundation, whose mission is leading solutions for a healthier community. The Foundation targets the following areas of impact:

• Securing the Blue Safety Net: Supporting private, nonprofit community health center clinics that provide access to quality, affordable healthcare in medically underserved areas.
• Bolstering the Health Care Workforce: Strengthening the nursing, primary care, and allied health workforce through education, career development, and research.
• Addressing Health Priorities: Collaborating with wellness partners to tackle the region’s most pressing health challenges; currently combating the obesity epidemic through the IBC Foundation Healthy Futures Initiative.
• Building healthy communities: Partnering with community leaders and programs to address community health and wellness needs.

Learn more by visiting our website: www.ibxfoundation.org. Connect with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on Twitter at @ibxfdn.

Media contact
Ruth Stoolman
Independence Blue Cross
215-241-4807 (office)
215-280-3335 (cell)
ruth.stoolman@ibx.com