BCBSM provides funding to help schools battle childhood obesity
As part of its efforts to address the problem of childhood obesity, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is offering grants totaling $320,000 to 36 schools across Michigan to help them promote increased physical activity and good nutrition. The grants range from $1,000 to $15,000, and will impact a total of 15,380 students.

Grants will be used to help the schools implement the Healthy School Action Tool and action plan or to implement at least one recommendation outlined in the plan. Initiatives will address one of the following areas:

• Increased nutrition awareness
• Improved nutrition
• Increased physical activity

“The aim of this program is to work with schools to reverse projections that today’s children may be the first generation in history to live shorter lives than their parents,” said Blues Deputy Corporate Medical Director George Kipa, M.D., one of several Blues executives leading the effort to help tackle this community health issue. “Health conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and orthopedic problems are more common among children who are overweight. Type 2 diabetes, once an adult disease, is becoming more common among children and adolescents.”

Schools wishing to apply for these grants had to submit their applications by Oct. 17, 2008. To be considered for a grant, Michigan public schools had to have at least 70 percent of students eligible for the free and reduced school lunch program.

The grant program is just one example of how BCBSM has a mission that is different from that of other health insurance companies. The program is part of the Physical Activity and Nutrition component of the Blues’ social mission.

For more information, send an e-mail to Shoma Pal at spal@bcbsm.com.