Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation
2009 Annual Report
In 2009, the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation remained focused on its core mission of improving the health of Mississippians through community-based projects and initiatives. This comes as Mississippi’s obesity rate tops 30 percent, the highest ever for any state. Where others see challenges, the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation sees opportunities to be a catalyst for change. Through the work of the Foundation, a healthier Mississippi – and a healthier future – is within our reach.
Delta State University
Delta State University is aggressively working to change the health statistics in the Delta through a community-based wellness initiative targeting kids, community members and Delta State University students and faculty. The Healthy Campus/Community Initiative, funded by a $700,000 grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, has allowed Delta State University to become a wellness model. The initiative includes nutrition counseling, an outdoor walking track and recreation areas, health and fitness curriculum and onsite health screenings. During the fall 2009 semester, 326 students, faculty and staff, and community members participated in an initial health assessment as part of the DSU Health Challenge. More than 150 of those took part in the onsite fitness classes and more than 200 participated in nutrition counseling. A total of 484 students participated in the student health survey, measuring responses to a variety of topics such as tobacco and substance abuse, physical and mental health, and more.
Students have also taken an active role in creating health awareness on campus. From fun and festivities with a health-related focus to more serious subjects like alcohol abuse, students have become involved in making a healthy campus a closer reality.
“This grant allows Delta State University to make a difference in the lives of people who study, work and live here… to help lead the way to a healthier Delta as a whole.”
Dr. John Hilpert |
The Healthy Campus/Community Initiative is also extending to local schools, supporting health education and Project Fit America equipment at the six elementary schools within the Cleveland Public School District. This total wellness model infuses components of programs developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The level of ownership the entire community has taken on the initiative has been thrilling. This is a Bolivar County project through and through.”
Dr. E.E. “Butch” Caston |
Project Fit America
Project Fit America continues to have a positive impact on children across the state through funding from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, giving kids the opportunity to get fit and healthy while having fun. In 2009, 64 schools received the fitness equipment, bringing the total to 129 schools in Mississippi now benefiting from these grants.
“Our students love everything about Project Fit and they are getting fit doing things they enjoy. Thank you for changing the lives of young people and wanting to make a difference. Together we will fight obesity one child at a time.”
Senatobia Middle School |
With the prevalence of childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles, Project Fit America is helping kids get back to the basics with physical activity. The equipment is designed to help improve physical and cardiovascular strength in kids, while classroom-based curriculum teaches healthy choices and promotes self-esteem. The program has been embraced by educators. Schools benefiting from the program are reporting significant increases in students’ fitness levels. Some schools have reported as much as a 159 percent increase in students’ cardiovascular fitness and a 92 percent increase in upper body strength. Schools benefiting from the program are reporting significant increases in students’ fitness levels, and that’s a good sign for our future.
“Thanks to Project Fit America and the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, we here at A.W. James are working toward a healthier lifestyle on our new fitness equipment. Ultimately, our goal is a healthier school, state and nation. Project Fit will help us realize our goal. Thank you for helping us make it happen.”
| A.W. James Elementary School |
Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2009 (unaudited)
| Assets | ||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ |
990,091 |
| Securities | 46,651,058 | |
| Accrued Interest & Other | 299,592 | |
| Total Assets | $ |
47,940,741 |
| 2009 Operations | ||
| Interest Income, Net of Expenses of $67,171 | $ |
1,408,995 |
| Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities | (545,905) | |
| Total Unrestricted Operating Support and Revenue | $ |
863,090 |
| Operating Expenses | ||
| Program Grants | $ |
2,148,209 |
| Management, General and Taxes | 278,806 | |
| Total Operating Expenses | $ |
2,427,015 |
| Change in Unrestricted Net Assets | $ |
1,563,925 |
| Unrestricted Net Assets at Beginning of Year | $ |
49,450,340 |
| Unrestricted Net Assets at End of Year | $ |
47,886,415 |