Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has partnered with Comfort Cases, an international non-profit organization, to launch the “Pathway to Comfort” program. The initiative aims to support children and youth entering foster care across North Carolina by providing them with backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items such as pajamas, stuffed animals, books, blankets, and hygiene kits.
Angela Boykin, CEO of Healthy Blue and Healthy Blue Care Together, stated: “At Healthy Blue Care Together, we believe every child deserves care, hope, and the opportunity to thrive—especially our children experiencing the child welfare system. Through the Pathway to Comfort program, and in partnership with local social service agencies, we’re making sure North Carolina’s children and youth in foster care receive the support they need from day one. Together, we’re building brighter futures for our children and our communities.”
The program addresses a common issue faced by children entering foster care who often have few personal belongings. The Comfort Cases backpacks are intended to provide these children with something of their own during a difficult transition period. Social service agencies throughout North Carolina can order these backpacks at no cost for local children.
Rob Scheer, Founder and CEO of Comfort Cases, said: “Pathway to Comfort is transforming how North Carolina supports children in foster care. Along with Healthy Blue Care Together, we’re ensuring that comfort and dignity reach every corner of the state.”
North Carolina is set to introduce the Children & Families Specialty Plan on December 1, 2025. This new statewide NC Medicaid managed care plan will be operated by Blue Cross NC under the name Healthy Blue Care Together. It is designed to offer integrated health care for Medicaid-enrolled children, youth, and young adults served by child welfare services.
This year alone nearly 2,000 Comfort Cases have been distributed through this partnership for North Carolina’s foster children. Volunteers—including employees from Blue Cross NC—have helped pack these cases in cities such as Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Sylva.
Comfort Cases has distributed more than 285,000 bags since its founding in 2013 to support youth in foster care across all U.S. states as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. More information about their mission can be found at www.comfortcases.org.
Blue Cross NC serves over 5.3 million members statewide including approximately 1.2 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Details about its programs are available at http://www.bluecrossnc.com.
