Florida Blue Supports Lung Health, COVID-19 Action Initiative in Jacksonville

Today, the American Lung Association in Florida announced that Florida Blue has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the virtual LUNG FORCE Run/Walk, set for November 1 - 30.

For the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk, participants can complete their 5k run or walk when and where they choose during the month of November. On top of the 5k run/walk, the event will include a kick-off celebration on November 2, team and individual challenges, and activities each week throughout November to raise awareness and funds to end lung cancer and lung disease.

“Through events like the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk, we are able to fund our work to improve air quality, educate residents on lung health and COVID-19, and help people who live with lung disease,” said Bethany Webb, development manager for the Lung Association. “But we can’t do it alone. Our partnership with Florida Blue helps us provide vital support to the Jacksonville community and residents throughout Florida. From funding asthma education, to providing resources to those suffering from lung cancer, this support makes people’s lives better every day.”

Florida Blue is Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company and the leading health insurer in the state. The company has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for more than 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state including a million with individual health insurance plans.

“It is key to our company mission to support the communities where so many of our employees work and live. The American Lung Association’s work to support clean air and healthy lungs affects us all, so we are proud to be involved with the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk,” said Dr. Kelli Tice Wells, LUNG FORCE Leadership Cabinet member. “We hope to see our community come together virtually for a fun and inspiring event.”

Money raised at the Virtual LUNG FORCE Run/Walk will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support the Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. The COVID-19 Action Initiative is a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies.

Registration for the LUNG FORCE Run/Walk is $25 for adults and $20 for children under 12. More information and registration are available at LUNGFORCE.org/Jacksonville.