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Grants

Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Elementary Schools and Community Partners

Our commitment to the health of Michigan is different from the other insurance companies doing business in our state. As a nonprofit health insurer, our mission is to expand access to high quality, affordable health care coverage for everyone.


Uniquely positioned to help support community-based initiatives, we're leading Michigan to a healthier future — one community at a time. Many of our efforts focus on children because lifestyle habits are formed at an early age. We're dedicated to curbing childhood obesity in Michigan by educating children about healthy lifestyle choices.


Apply for the Building Healthy Communities grant

Proposals are now being accepted for our 2010 Building Healthy Communities grant program. Learn more about the grant elements and application process.


Our Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Elementary Schools and Community Partners grant program plays a key role in that mission. The BHC grants help Michigan children become more physically active and educated about healthy eating and healthy lifestyles.


According to the 2007 Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey, childhood obesity trends are escalating at an alarming rate. In Michigan, 12 percent of middle school children and 15 percent of high school students are considered obese. They have a higher likelihood of suffering adult health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.


The centerpiece of that BHC grant program is a "toolbox" of proven health and physical education resources and activities. The toolbox is given to schools to help elementary students achieve better nutrition and increased activity. Schools are encouraged to work collaboratively with a community partner and build relationships with local organizations to create and support healthier lifestyles for all community members.


2009 grant program

In 2009, Building Healthy Communities grants were awarded to 17 schools across the state. They supported activities and events that included:

  • An assessment tool to measure the overall health of the school’s built environment and policies
  • Physical activity and nutrition education using specific programs designated by Blue Cross
  • Walking clubs for students and faculty
  • Celebratory 5K runs and walk events

Read more about our 2009 Building Healthy Communities grant program activities.

Grantee spotlight


The students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy are improving their physical fitness and learning about healthy lifestyles with the support of the Building Healthy Communities grant.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy in Mt. Clemens, Mich., is one of our Building Healthy Communities grant recipients. The school’s leadership is educating kids on healthy lifestyles. The Academy is also working with the city of Mt. Clemens and the Michigan Fitness Foundation to enhance their neighborhood walking routes to encourage safe walking and increase the use of sidewalks and bike paths.