BCBS Expands Scholarship Program

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBS) will be expanding its medical scholarship program to better address health disparities, particularly in rural areas of Alabama, Yellowhammer News reported. “Blue Cross is working to emphasize improvement in areas that are currently underrepresented,” said Dr. Darrel Weaver, BCBS vice president of provider engagement. “It is often the cost of medical school and education which prevents people from choosing careers in the medical industry. Scholarships enable more people to choose a career in medicine, and this is good news for rural Alabama and other underserved areas.” In addition to renewing and expanding existing scholarships, BCBS is using the scholarships to fight several ongoing crises across the state, including the behavioral health crisis, nursing and dentistry shortage and maternal health disparities. For 2024, scholarships will go to students at eight Alabama schools, including Coastal Alabama Community College and the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.