Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation improving students’ well-being

Each year, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation awards local schools Healthy Habits for Life grants to assist in implementing programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices to their K-12 students. This year, 110 schools were awarded a share of nearly $200,000.

Since its creation in 2005, the Healthy Habits for Life grant program has awarded more than $2 million through more than 2,000 grants. School personnel have used past grant dollars to educate students on healthy portion sizes, begin a daily walking program for students before or after school, invest in equipment for physical education classes, and much more.

Roger O’Neal, Burrton K-12 Physical Education Teacher, has applied for and received multiple Healthy Habits for Life grants over the years. This year, he plans to purchase Tchoukball equipment, and with past grants has received equipment to incorporate pickleball, badminton, scooters, hockey, disc golf and more into his curriculum.

“In the past, we have been limited in the games and activities we could utilize in our program, but that has dramatically changed thanks to the Healthy Habits for Life grants,” said O’Neal. “This grant has literally been a game changer for us, and we’ve been able to strengthen our program with funds received from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation.”

Schools receiving grants must address at least one of four criteria: reduce cardiovascular risk, increase physical activity, learn healthy eating habits, and reinforce positive mental health among students. These programs range from adding new equipment for PE programs to launching after-school clubs to providing care cases for teachers to assist students who are having a difficult time and need items to help themselves self-regulate their emotions.