March 31, 2022

YMCA Buffalo Niagara Presents Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY with Stewart Partnership Award

(Buffalo, NY) – YMCA Buffalo Niagara is excited to present Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York (Highmark BCBSWNY) with its 2021 Stewart Partnership Award. This prestigious award is given annually to an organization in the community that aligns with the YMCA’s mission and works with the Y to create a lasting, positive impact on the local community.

Thanks to support from Highmark BCBSWNY, the Y last year launched its widely popular ‘Y on the Fly’ program, a mobile YMCA which delivers a Y without walls experience directly to Western New York communities and helps youth of all ages stay active in mind, body, and spirit. “Y on the Fly is a culmination of years of planning and a realization of the Y’s goal to expand our impact in the region’s high need and underserved neighborhoods. The program’s launch last year could not have been possible without Highmark BCBSWNY’s generous support,” said John Ehrbar, President/CEO of YMCA Buffalo Niagara. 

“We are proud to partner with YMCA Buffalo Niagara on this important health initiative, that will empower young individuals, living in the most underserved areas of our community, to live healthy lives today and in the future,” said Dr. Michael Edbauer, President of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York. The local health plan has also been a longtime partner of the YMCA’s Silver Sneakers Program, aimed to keep adults age 65 and older active and engaged. 

For more information on the Y on the Fly program or other YMCA program opportunities, please visit YMCABN.org or contact YMCA Buffalo Niagara Communications Director Mike Baggerman