Abrazos Family Support Services Receives Grant From BCBSNM Through the Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Initiative

Abrazos Family Support Services Receives Grant From BCBSNM To Help Provide Activities and Respite To Special Needs Children and Their Families

Bernalillo, NM – Abrazos Family Support Services (AFSS) announced today that it received a $15,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) through its Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® (HKHF) initiative. Because of our commitment to support children and adults with developmental disabilities, we are now partnering with BCBSNM to help improve the health of youth with special needs and their families in local communities.

“Caring for some of our most vulnerable children and their families is a top priority for Abrazos Family Support Services,” said Janice Torrez, divisional vice president of external affairs and chief of staff, BCBSNM. “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is pleased to support their valuable work assisting children with disabilities through their respite care and toddler development programs. Both programs will help improve the health and wellness of the entire family.”

HKHF is a signature program of BCBSNM. The initiative focuses on engaging children and their families in understanding the importance of nutritious food, raising the level of physical activity, improving immunizations rates, better managing chronic conditions and promoting safe environments. Likewise, Abrazos Family Support Services focuses on improving the lives of children with developmental delays and disabilities, with a focus on youth with autism. Abrazos provides both the Toddler Movement Group and a recreational respite program for children diagnosed on the autism spectrum. These programs promote the growth and inclusion of children with special needs, impacting not only individual families, but the entire community.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has continuously supported children with developmental delays and disabilities in New Mexico,” stated April Spaulding, Abrazos executive director. “By receiving funds to better support children and families in the community, we are able to meet the needs of our most vulnerable population. We are thankful Blue Cross has such strong community ties and dedication to the families in our state.”

About Abrazos Family Support Services
Abrazos Family Support Services is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to empower all children and families to achieve their full potential. Since 1978, Abrazos’ trained experts have taken care of over 550 families annually in Sandoval and Bernalillo counties by providing an array of community-based services to support children and adults who have developmental delays and disabilities. To learn more about Abrazos’ services and unique recreational respite program for individuals diagnosed with autism, visit https://www.abrazosnm.org.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is the largest commercial health insurer in New Mexico with 550,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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