We officially opened our “blue door” in April 2019 to help improve the health of the community. The center continues to evolve, so please check back here to learn about upcoming events, updates and programs we're offering that could impact you and your family.
Dion Dawson: So let's say it's Monday and we're talking about the Johnson household. The Johnsons will receive that code on Monday morning. They'll have all the way up until the Blue Door Center close to go use their code, get to the locker, put it in. Their door pops open and then from there, they'll get their box.
Tiffany Davis: Each week, 175 families are going to have access to food and fresh produce. We've demoed these fresh produce boxes at our events, at the Blue Door Center for pop-up farmers markets and so we know that members really enjoy these baskets. And what we're really excited about is not only our Medicaid, our Medicare, as well as community members that come in the Blue Door will have access to this.
Matthew Prinske: This locker, like many other programs, is Blue Cross's statement to say we are going to continue to fight food insecurity. We're not going to rest on our laurels. And they commonly - it seems like constantly - finding better partners, other partners in the community.
Dion Dawson: The dream vault is our way of bridging not only partners that are intentional about this work, but also technology - about innovation and about thinking through how we can really, you know, get a hole on some things that are plaguing our recipients and our residents. I'm excited. I can't wait to get this started and expanded. And thank you all for being here. Thank you.
January 10, 2024
We are happy partner with Dion’s Chicago Dream to improve health outcomes and address food insecurity. The Dream Vault will provide fresh fruits and vegetables to 25 families daily in the Morgan Park community. Recipients will be able to pick up five days’ worth of groceries at a time.
Maurice Smith (00:03):
We are here today to recognize what the power of collective action, community involvement and intentional support can do for the good of this neighborhood and all of its surrounding communities. Today, we celebrate the completion of our multipurpose center here in Morgan Park.
Steve Hamman (00:23):
The space itself has two large atriums that let in a lot of natural light, 130,000 square feet of beautiful office space housing up to 550 employees along with a Blue Door Neighborhood Center, our second, as a resource to the community where all are welcome, not just Blue Cross members, but everybody in the community can come and experience and take advantage of those resources.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker (00:50):
The kind of building that's been built here will bring hundreds of jobs, health and wellness classes, insurance education programming, more neighborhood resources into what was an abandoned lot.
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (01:07):
What this collaboration shows is the power that public and private sector partnerships have to uplift communities, giving everyone the tools they need to stay safe, stay healthy and stay afloat.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker (01:20):
This project would be monumental in normal times, but it's especially vital right now when this community has carried an enormous burden of the health and economic effects of COVID-19.
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (01:34):
This now once-empty site is going to give Morgan Park residents and surrounding communities, long overdue access to high-quality, affordable health care and wellness resources and create 550 jobs that place a critical focus on recruiting directly from the surrounding community and working with community leaders and creating candidate engagement events.
Steve Hamman (01:58):
What will be the difference maker and greatest impact will be the great team of people inside. One of those newly hired Blue Door team members is a Aquea Wynn. Aquea grew up in Morgan Park and lives just six blocks from here in a three-generation household.
Aquea Wynn (02:16):
For those of us that live in this community, to be able to see a future and giving back and, you know, working in the community that we live in. And so I think with this institution of Blue Cross planting themselves here in Morgan Park is definitely a game changer. I'm excited to be a new member of this company and also serving as a resident of this community, which is just the perfect marriage.
Maurice Smith (02:43):
Today's celebration is not just about this building. It's about what this building can create. I look forward to continuing to work together toward a common goal, being a part of the lives of all of the communities and helping others get to the highest expression of themselves. Thank you.
August 10, 2020
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has expended its footprint on Chicago’s South Side with a new Blue Door Neighborhood Center (BDNC).
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined BCBSIL leaders on August 10, 2020 to celebrate the completion of a new multipurpose center in Chicago's Morgan Park neighborhood.
“Our footprint here is a start,” said Maurice Smith, president and CEO of Health Care Service Corporation. “And it will show others the benefit of what can happen when we come together to invest in and support our neighborhoods and provide opportunities for our people.” BCBSIL is a division of HCSC.
The building features not only a Blue Door Neighborhood Center focused on improving the health and wellness of community residents beyond the walls of hospitals and physician offices – but also an expansive employee workspace for as many as 550 employees.
“This building is proof of the life-changing opportunities that are possible when companies step up and do the right thing to invest in communities and help us become a city where economic opportunity is attainable for all residents, no matter their ZIP code,” Lightfoot said.
The Morgan Park BDNC is located at 11840 S. Marshfield Ave. Check out the program schedule and offerings.
A third Blue Door Neighborhood Center will open later in 2020 in the South Lawndale neighborhood at 2551 W. Cermak Road.
Apr. 06, 2020
I hope you are staying well, neighbors!
We all have a part to play in keeping each other healthy during this time. I know it is easy to feel lonely and isolated as we practice social-distancing and it can be hard to get motivated to exercise our bodies and our minds.
That’s why the Blue Door Neighborhood Center® wants to help you get connected and stay fit.
Many of the programming we normally would offer in-person are now available on-line. You can enjoy meditation, join our job club or even learn helpful tips on coping in the era of COVID-19.
Fitness instructor GiGi Tonye’ is also offering live, online classes to replace the very popular fitness sessions she normally teaches in-person at the Blue Door Neighborhood Center. She’s offering Zumba Tuesdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 11am. Yoga is Wednesdays at 6pm and Saturday at 10:15am.
For details on all our classes check out our calendar of events.
And, as always, the programming is free.
Sheltering in place in Chicago can be hard – but it is also an opportunity!
Is there anything you’ve wanted to do, but normally find yourself complaining that you, “Just don’t have the time”? Well, no more excuses. Use this “bonus” time to read more, make music, write letters, try healthy recipes or challenge yourself to walk 10,000 steps a day in your house or your yard.
To learn the latest on COVID-19 in Chicago, please go to the City’s website where there is helpful information on testing, as well as links to resources for food, financial and employment assistance and much more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the national source of truth on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
If you are a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) member, read the latest on how BCBSIL is helping you stay informed about COVID-19 and access the care and coverage you need, including telehealth and pharmacy.
There’s a lot of uncertainty about how long it will take us to overcome this pandemic. At this time, we’re planning on re-opening our doors in accordance with Illinois' shelter in place guidance. That’s when we’re going to be debuting our new hours, designed to better meet the needs of our visitors:
Until then, stay safe and healthy.
April 27, 2020
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) officially opened the Blue Door Neighborhood Center in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood. 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale, State Senator Elgie Sims and State Representative Nick Smith joined BCBSIL president Maurice Smith for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration. Many community residents were on hand throughout the day—touring the center, enjoying giveaways, fun activities for the kids, and a live radio broadcast. The center is now open Monday through Saturday, and we encourage everyone to stop by and meet us.
December 04, 2018
The Blue Door Neighborhood Center construction is one-step closer to reality! On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois broke ground on its first-ever community-based center, to be located at the 111th Street Gateway Retail Center in Chicago’s historic Pullman community.
Address
756 E. 111th St.
Suites 102 & 103
Chicago, IL 60628
Hours of Operation
In-Person Programming
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m..
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Virtual Programming
Monday–Friday: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m..
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Phone
1-773-253-0900
