CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield this week opened its approximately 20,000-square-foot West Baltimore workspace at The Village at Mondawmin. In a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, officials marked CareFirst’s dedication to community-centered healthcare and economic empowerment. The new workspace represents CareFirst’s commitment to West Baltimore, serving as a community hub for health and wellness resources, workforce development programs, and support services for residents.“Completing this project marks a significant moment in our mission at CareFirst as we continue to invest with the communities we serve,” said Brian D. Pieninck, CareFirst’s president and CEO. “In partnership with leaders from Coppin State University, Center for Urban Families, and Whiting-Turner, who share our strong belief in West Baltimore’s future, we understand success comes through being led by the community. The center’s vision is built around community voices, community talents, and community dreams.”CareFirst’s novel workforce development initiative launched in 2023 in partnership with Coppin State University and the Center for Urban Families. The program’s focus is to create economic growth and opportunities for West Baltimore residents living in the 21215, 21216, and 21217 zip codes.The initiative recruits and trains residents for jobs in the healthcare industry, from customer service to community health advocacy and beyond. Choosing The Village at Mondawmin as the location for the workspace helps address common barriers to employment, like transportation and childcare.The community hub and resource center give residents access to free fitness and health education classes, in addition to help from CareFirst team members on billing, claims, benefits, and more. This in-person support helps current and new members and addresses the neighborhood’s health equity needs. Additionally, the resource center offers programs ranging from home-buying courses to legal education.“We are proud to see our vision for The Village at Mondawmin come to fruition with CareFirst as a vital partner in this important project,” said Tim Regan, co-owner of The Village at Mondawmin and CEO of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. “We are working hard with our community partners to revitalize West Baltimore and enhance the quality of life. By attracting meaningful tenants, a dynamic community hub that addresses critical needs and unlocks opportunities for growth is being built. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CareFirst and community leaders to ensure this space serves as a catalyst for positive change.”“Our collective aim is to build safer, vibrant communities across Baltimore,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “The commitment and involvement of CareFirst in West Baltimore is a shining example of the transformative change that can be generated when community organizations and leaders unite. When we harness our collective strength, we can effect meaningful change that benefits our region and its residents.”“Baltimore will lead Maryland into a new decade and partnerships that contribute to our shared progress are crucial to that mission,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “I want to commend CareFirst, Coppin State University, and the Center for Urban Families for their innovative workforce development program, along with all the organizations in The Village at Mondawmin. Today, we are not only celebrating the continued success of the workforce development program and the new CareFirst workspace; we also recognize the potential, resilience, and power within a revitalized, healthier, and thriving West Baltimore.”CareFirst members and non-members are encouraged to check out programming as it is shared at CareFirst or Eventbrite. Initial grand opening events include a Medicaid Made Simple Class on Oct. 28 and a Holistic Childbirth Class on Nov. 2.