Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas Foundation Renews Healthy Habits For Life Grant Program For Fourth Year

July 21, 2009

School nurses interested in creating programs to help Kansas kids reduce their cardio-vascular risk, increase their physical activity or learn healthy eating habits are invited to apply for Healthy Habits for Life grants from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation. The foundation's board of directors has renewed the Healthy Habits for Life grant program for a fourth year, committing $40,000 to fund programs for the 2009-2010 academic year. The postmark deadline for applications is Sept. 18.

During its first three years, the foundation approved 115 grant requests totaling more than $109,000, according to Graham Bailey, chief operating officer of the BCBSKS Foundation.

"The foundation's board of directors recognizes that, with the state's budget cuts for education, schools will be pressed more than ever to bring important programs to Kansas children," he said. "The foundation wants to make funds available to help school nurses present worthwhile programs that will increase physical activity, encourage healthy eating habits and teach Kansas children about cardiovascular risks.

"There is much talk these days about the cost of health care services and health care reform," he said. "One cost driver is the ongoing expense of treating Americans with chronic, yet avoidable, diseases. Taking steps now to help our Kansas youth develop healthy habits and lead healthier lives as adults will pay off for all of us in the future."

The renewal of the grant program was announced today in Wichita during the 20th Annual Statewide Conference of the Kansas School Nurse Organization (KSNO). Representatives from KSNO will assist in the grant selection process.

The maximum grant amount is $1,000 with no more than one public school within a school district earning a grant. The program is available in the service area of the BCBSKS Foundation which includes all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte.

Applications must be postmarked no later than Sept. 18 with the funds distributed by Oct. 31. Grant recipients can use the funds for programs offered during the 2009-2010 academic year.

For more information, visit www.bcbsks.com/foundation or call Marlou Wegener, BCBSKS Foundation grant coordinator, at 1-800-432-0216, ext. 7246, or, in Topeka, 291-7246.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSKS is the state's largest health insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte.