LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Joseph Bellino applauded the announcement that three district schools have been chosen to participate in the Building Healthy Communities (BHC) program by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM).
“Having a healthy state and economy starts with having healthy kids. This program is about helping prevent childhood obesity, reduce chronic disease, and improve academic achievement and mental health,” said Bellino, R-Monroe. “I salute Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for this proactive initiative and for including three schools from Monroe, Dundee and Blissfield in the program this school year.”
In total, 148 Michigan schools will receive BHC programing, with 74% of those schools being low-income, under-resourced communities in areas of great need.
Schools could apply for one of three BHC program options for the 2023-24 school year, including:
- Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools (grades K-5)
- Engaging Middle Schools Through Project Healthy Schools (grades 6-8)
- Step Up for School Wellness (grades K-12)
St. Mary Campus of the Monroe Catholic Elementary Schools and Dundee Elementary School will receive Step Up for School Wellness programming, and Blissfield Middle School opted for the Engaging Middle Schools Through Project Healthy Schools program.
According to BCBSM, the BHC program is celebrating its 15th year with over a half-million students having benefited from physical and emotional health-focused improvements during that time.
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