Nonprofit organizations in St. Lawrence County can apply for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Awards that add up to a total of $85,000 to help fund health and wellness programs in upstate New York.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s 31-county upstate New York region are invited to apply for an award of up to $4,000 each. The award can be used for programs that have clear goals to improve the health or health care of a specific population. Programs that improve the health status of the community, reduce the incidence of specific diseases, promote health education and overall wellness will be considered.

“The company’s Community Health Awards demonstrate a corporate commitment to support local organizations that share our mission as a nonprofit health plan,” said Arthur Vercillo, M.D., regional president, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

“These awards complement our existing grants and sponsorships with agencies that work to enhance quality of life, including health status, in upstate New York.”

The deadline to submit an application to be considered for an Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Award is Feb. 9. Applications and additional information are available online at www.excellusbcbs.com/wps/wcm/connect/be9377e9-bde9-43d0-ba46-807e3e9a612c/CommunityAwardsAppInteractive1.8.2015+Blue+Regions.pdf?MOD=AJPERES. Organizations in Cayuga, Cortland, Jefferson, Lewis, Onondaga, Oswego, St. Lawrence or Tompkins counties are asked to email the completed application to Community.Health.Awards.CNY@ Excellus.com.