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BCBSOK recipient makes impact at Bristow Barnyard Animal Rescue

TULSA, Okla. — Amber Holt donates her time and resources to help those in need, including her furry friends.

Holt, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma implementation analyst, regularly volunteers at Bristow Barnyard Animal Rescue, a nonprofit rescue agency for farm and domestic animals in Oklahoma. Along with fostering, she helps connect abused and neglected animals with a safe and loving home.

“I love connecting with the animals and getting to play with them,” said Holt, a seven-year BCBSOK veteran. “The pets don’t have a voice. I feel it’s important to assist them.”

Holt also uses social media to spread awareness about animals in need of financial assistance for medical procedures, as well as those ready for adoption.

Holt volunteers at several nonprofits, tallying more than 230 volunteer hours this year. In appreciation for her service, Holt was named the 2023 BCBSOK Volunteer of the Year. 

“Amber is extremely worthy of this honor,” said BCBSOK President Stephania Grober. “We encourage our employees to volunteer in areas of need because we live in the communities we serve. We partner with more than 150 local nonprofits across Oklahoma. Amber’s impact is an example of how we can help build up our own communities.”

In honor of her award, BCBSOK donated $1,000 to the charity of her choice, Bristow Barnyard Animal Rescue.

“We could not continue to help as many animals as we do without our wonderful fosters such as Amber and those who graciously donate to all the animals’ needs,” said Beth Roberts, owner of Bristow Barnyard Animal Rescue. “We are grateful she has honored us with this donation. It is a huge blessing at this time of the year.”

Holt also volunteers at Meals on Wheels, Husky Halfway House, Tulsa CARS and for Outsiders TNR, feeding homeless cats and dogs.

“I feel like it’s important to give hope to both those around us,” Holt said. “Talking to people that may not have anyone else to talk to and the look on an animal’s face when you give them a treat. It is the best feeling ever.”

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is the only statewide customer-owned health insurer in Oklahoma. We believe Oklahoma consumers and employers deserve the best of both worlds: access to affordable, quality health care and top-notch service from a company that focuses solely on customers, not shareholders. Customer value is our cornerstone. We are proud of the work we have done within our communities by helping to change the way we all live. Thanks to our more than 800,000 members, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is able to focus on the health issues that impact our members as well as all Oklahomans.

About Bristow Barnyard Animal Rescue
Bristow Barnyard Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit located in Bristow since 2013. The Bristow Barnyard mission is to speak for those who are unable to in situations and neglect and help them find wonderful new forever homes. They also rehabilitate, vet and rehome and adopt out dogs and cats. Bristow Barnyard has a low-cost spay and neuter clinic on the property that serves the entire state of Oklahoma.