FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          CONTACT: Lisa Acheson Luther

October 6, 20    03                                                                                          (904) 905-3402- phone
(904) 536-9957 - cell

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Hosts
Diversity Week

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity in the workplace and to celebrate National Diversity Week, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) will host its first Diversity Week October 13-17.  A variety of events will be held that emphasize this year’s theme, “Building Skills for A Changing Marketplace.”

BCBSF will offer diversity awareness and education designed to recognize and celebrate employees’ differences and similarities. Activities will address issues about women and gender, race and ethnicity, generational differences, sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, spiritual and religious diversity and diversity in health care.

“BCBSF believes in valuing and leveraging the richness of its employees, which is why we continue to build diversity into our workplace and business strategies,” said Robert I. Lufrano, M.D., president and chief operating officer.  “Everyone in our community must strive to create an environment of respect, trust and inclusion.  Participating in Diversity Week 2003 is an excellent way to learn about others, increase interpersonal skills and grow as a team.”

BCBSF is also hosting a number of guest speakers including Delores Weaver, co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and representatives from the National Conference for Community and Justice.  Employees will be able to attend movies, seminars and professional development sessions.

“This special week fosters a deeper commitment to learning about diversity for all our employees at BCBSF,” said Tony Jenkins, director of Diversity at BCBSF.  “By fully engaging employees in the learning process, we continue to strengthen our entire business infrastructure, increase accountability and enhance our community ties.  Overall, BCBSF strives to be a more culturally competent organization.”

With ever-changing demographics in the marketplace, BCBSF works diligently to employ and retain a diverse group of employees who are better prepared and better educated to provide exemplary service and value to their customers.  BCBSF currently has more than 9,000 employees throughout Florida.

DiversityInc. Magazine recognized BCBSF earlier this year as one of the top 50 companies in the United States committed to diversity.  BCBSF was the only Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan in the nation to be recognized by the magazine.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) is a leader in Florida’s health industry. BCBSF and its subsidiaries serve more than 6 million people. Since 1944, the company has been dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all those it serves by offering an array of choices. BCBSF is a private, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., BCBSF is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information concerning BCBSF, please see its Web site at www.bcbsfl.com.

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