LANSING — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) recently announced that the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is partnering with the statewide Building Healthy Communities program, a private-public initiative designed to fight obesity and improve childhood wellness through school-based programming.   

MDCH and BCBSM are committed to improving children’s physical health, increasing academic success and helping to stem the growing economic and health care burden of childhood obesity in the state. The Building Healthy Communities program is an evidence-based, comprehensive, school-wide initiative that aligns with the Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 plan and works with schools and their communities to teach kids healthy habits and address childhood obesity.

To expand the opportunity to more schools and children, a second application period has been opened for schools to apply for the Building Healthy Communities program for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. All public, charter and nonprofit private schools in Michigan are encouraged to apply for the program by August 20. 

Schools interested in applying for the Building Healthy Communities program can join an informational conference call on August 5 at 1 p.m. or August 12 at 1 p.m. To join, call 800.462.5837 and enter pass code 210301#.  Those interested in applying can also email buildhealth@bcbsm.com or call 517.325.4595 for additional information. Schools receiving the program will be announced in September.