CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), a leading not-for-profit healthcare organization, recently took a significant step in demonstrating its commitment to community well-being by forming a 10-year partnership with Events DC. This collaboration has led to the renaming of the Entertainment and Sports Arena on the St. Elizabeths East Campus to CareFirst Arena. But the change is more than a name; it represents a multi-million-dollar investment in community-focused initiatives that aim to improve lives and foster equity east of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C.
More Than a Venue – A Hub of Change
Home to the Washington Mystics, Capital City Go-Go, and a practice facility for the Washington Wizards, the newly named CareFirst Arena is also a centerpiece for concerts, fairs, and community events. With this partnership, CareFirst aims to turn the arena into a symbol of hope, opportunity, and progress for the local community.
The company’s efforts include a direct $2 million investment to support local programming that targets critical issues such as workforce development, maternal health, and food insecurity. These programs are designed in collaboration with the St. Elizabeths community to ensure they address residents’ most pressing needs.
“Transformational change can only happen when businesses commit to working hand-in-hand with the communities they serve,” said Brian D. Pieninck, CareFirst President and CEO. “We’re here to do more than put our name on a building. We’re here to invest in what makes this community strong and vibrant.”
Addressing Local Needs
CareFirst’s contributions don’t stop at the $2 million fund. This partnership builds on years of deep engagement in Ward 8 and surrounding neighborhoods, where CareFirst has already collaborated with grassroots organizations and local health groups to address systemic challenges in community health.
For example, initiatives related to workforce development aim to equip residents with the skills they need for sustainable employment, while programs addressing maternal health prioritize strengthening health outcomes for mothers and infants. Recognizing the pervasive impact of food insecurity, CareFirst is also investing in resources to ensure residents have access to nutritious food options.
Mayor Muriel Bowser shared her gratitude for CareFirst’s dedication, emphasizing the importance of such investments. “We’ve said all along that the Entertainment and Sports Arena is bigger than basketball. This is about keeping our promises to Ward 8 and to DC residents,” she said. “We are grateful to CareFirst for partnering with local organizations that serve Ward 8 and create new opportunities for our community.”
Corporate Responsibility Meets Authentic Engagement
CareFirst’s partnership with Events DC, facilitated by the Oak View Group, seeks to set a new standard for corporate responsibility and engagement. Beyond financial support, CareFirst hopes to model how businesses can work collaboratively with communities to create spaces that reflect their identities and aspirations.
Angie M. Gates, Events DC President and CEO, highlighted this collaboration as an example of bridging gaps. “A major part of achieving our mission is building connections between businesses and Washington, DC communities,” she said. “CareFirst is an industry leader who thoughtfully engages with communities to improve everyone’s overall health and well-being.”
A Blueprint for the Future
At the heart of this partnership is the shared goal of creating a stronger and healthier community. For the nearly 500,000 CareFirst members in D.C., commitments like these not only enhance their quality of life but also reinforce the company’s broader mission to deliver equitable, high-quality healthcare and support public well-being.
Beyond just healthcare, projects like CareFirst Arena reflect the company’s purpose-driven ethos. By cultivating authentic partnerships and prioritizing initiatives that address systemic challenges, CareFirst demonstrates how businesses can lead with impact.
To learn more about CareFirst’s ongoing community initiatives, visit CareFirst.com.
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