Elementary schools invited to apply for statewide program to improve health and prevent childhood obesity

For the ninth year in a row, Michigan elementary schools are invited to apply for Building Healthy Communities, a private-public initiative designed to fight obesity and improve childhood health through school-based wellness programming. Building Healthy Communities, originally created by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in 2009, is an evidence-based, comprehensive, school-wide initiative that supports children’s health by providing students, teachers and administrators with tools and resources to improve student health while creating a healthier school environment.

Building Healthy Communities is supported by multiple statewide organizations, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Fitness Foundation, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Team Nutrition, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, University of Michigan, Wayne State University Center for Health and Community Impact and Action for Healthy Kids, working together to address childhood obesity and teach kids healthy habits that can be carried into adulthood. Over 230,000 students in more than 500 Michigan schools have been reached through Building Healthy Communities and nearly 150 schools started the program last year.

There are three programs available through Building Healthy Communities to help meet the needs of Michigan schools for the 2017-2018 school year. Interested schools are encouraged to review full program descriptions and application information at www.bcbsm.com/buildhealth. Applications are currently being accepted for the Building Healthy Communities: Elementary School Program through Mar. 29, 2017. Interested schools can also join an informational conference call on Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. To join, call 641-715-0688 and enter pass code 517761#. Applications for the Building Healthy Communities: Middle School Program and Building Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellness will be announced later in 2017.

Students participating in the Building Healthy Communities: Elementary School Program demonstrated a 28 percent increase in calories burned daily and ate 40 percent more fruits and vegetables than the national average for six to 11-year-olds. Students reported 130 percent more energy, 83 percent less trouble sleeping and an improved quality of life.

For more information on Building Healthy Communities or to apply for any of the programs, visit bcbsm.com/buildhealth.