BIRMINGHAM, AL – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s The Caring Foundation recognized 14 organizations with a Diamond Impact Award for initiatives focused on improving maternal and women’s health across Alabama.

Recognizing the need for greater access to maternal and women’s healthcare in Alabama, The Caring Foundation made these areas the focus of this year’s Diamond Impact Awards. Nearly 50 organizations submitted letters of interest, with 14 selected to submit full applications. Following the review process, the Caring Foundation chose to fund all 14 organizations.

“The quality of the programs presented by these organizations was outstanding, and each one demonstrated an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families across Alabama,” said Tim King, Community Relations Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. “From expanding access to maternal healthcare in rural communities to supporting women navigating mental health challenges, these initiatives address important needs throughout our state. We are proud to support all 14 organizations and the work they are doing to build healthier communities.”

2026 Diamond Impact Award recipients and their initiatives include:

Up to $5,000

SAFER BIRTH IN BAMA – Project LUNA
Project LUNA will expand access to specialized perinatal healthcare and postpartum support for women experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, birth trauma and other maternal mental health conditions by bringing together healthcare professionals and nonprofit organizations.

ST. MICHAEL’S MEDICAL CLINIC – Women’s Healthcare Access Initiative
The initiative will expand access to healthcare services for low-income and uninsured women in Calhoun County, including ongoing screenings and annual exams, helping ensure financial circumstances are not a barrier to needed care.

THE FOUNDRY MINISTRIES – Innovative Mental Health Care for Women in Recovery
The program will provide mental healthcare to women enrolled in The Foundry’s residential recovery program, including access to counseling, employment training, long-term recovery services and specialized therapy.

Up to $10,000

FIVE HORIZONS HEALTH SERVICES – HOPE Program
The HOPE Program aims to reduce the transmission of HIV to babies during delivery or the postpartum period through education, case management and other support for HIV-positive women.

HOLCOMB MINISTRIES – Caregiver Counseling & Newborn Concierge Support
The program will support mothers with a child in the NICU during hospitalization and the transition home through virtual counseling and follow-up support with a NICU expert.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA – Women’s Integrated Services for Health
Through a partnership with the Shoals Community Clinic and Leighton Community Clinic, the program will provide preventive screenings, primary care and behavioral health services to underserved women in rural northwest Alabama.

Up to $15,000

CARING HEART OUTREACH – Her Dignity Pilot Project
The initiative will provide women in all stages of life with long-term, sustainable access to hygiene products to support their health, well-being and confidence.

GRACE KLEIN COMMUNITY – Healthy HER
Building on Feed Birmingham and the Diapers & Wipes Program, Healthy HER will provide women with hygiene kits, nutritional resources and other essential supplies.

Up to $20,000

FIRST CHOICE WOMEN’S MEDICAL CENTER – Moms Under Pressure: Hypertension Education and Intervention
Serving Montgomery County and surrounding areas, the initiative will focus on pregnancy-related hypertension through enhanced care, health education and blood pressure monitoring resources at three locations.

HISPANIC AND IMMIGRANT CENTER OF ALABAMA – Bilingual Women’s Health Access and Navigation Project
The initiative will help reduce language barriers for low-income women in Jefferson and Shelby counties through bilingual case management designed to help women address their health concerns and navigate the healthcare system.

Up to $30,000

HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION – North Alabama Maternal Health Initiative
Serving 15 counties and 15 hospitals across North Alabama, the initiative will support maternal emergency preparedness, obstetrical emergency response and maternal hypertension management through new equipment, patient education and training resources.

Up to $40,000

COOSA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION – Healthy Beginnings, Stronger Futures: Advancing Maternal Health in Rural Alabama
The initiative will work to improve maternal and infant health outcomes at Talladega County’s only labor and delivery hospital by investing in staff training, strengthening existing programs and launching educational initiatives to help families access services before, during and after birth.

TURNING POINT – DV/SA Victim Healthcare Initiative
The program will help survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault overcome barriers to healthcare by providing an advocate to assist with transportation, identification and payment assistance, with the goal of improving long-term health outcomes for women and their children.

$75,000

NORTH BALDWIN INFIRMARY FOUNDATION – Women’s Health Access Initiative: Leadership in Rural Women’s Healthcare
Targeting four counties in south Alabama, the initiative will place women’s healthcare professionals in Clarke, Conecuh, Monroe and Escambia counties. The program will expand access to services including prenatal care, breastfeeding support and cancer screenings, with care accessible from patients’ homes.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has insured Alabamians for over 90 years. Blue Cross offers coverage plans to corporations, individuals and the senior market. For more information about Blue Cross, visit AlabamaBlue.com. Connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on X for more up-to-date information.  

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.