Projects and Initiatives / 2009
The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation continued its targeted grant-making efforts in 2009, providing more than $2 million in funding for health programs and initiatives that are working to improve the health of Mississippians. The impact of these efforts is being seen around the state, especially at the local level through community-based programs.
Delta State University –Healthy Campus/Community Initiative
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, several hundred students, faculty, staff and community members took part in fitness classes, nutrition counseling, and health surveys. Students created fun activities with a health-related focus and covered important topics like alcohol abuse.
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.
Project Fit AmericaProject 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 Project Fit equipment, bringing the total to 130 schools in Mississippi now benefiting from these grants. 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. 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.