Building Healthy Communities (BHC) Program Announcement

The Michigan Department of Community Health has joined the BHC program, expanding the opportunity to more schools and children.  A second application period has been opened for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. We invite you to encourage schools to apply for this program.  To expand the opportunity to more schools and children, all public, charter and nonprofit private elementary and middle schools in Michigan are encouraged to apply for the program by August 20, 2014.

Schools interested in applying for Building Healthy Communities can join an informational conference call on August 5 at 1:00 p.m. or August 12 at 1:00 p.m. To join, call 800-462-5837 and entering pass code 210301#.  Program descriptions (attached) and application information are located at bcbsm.com/buildhealth. Those interested in applying can also email mailto:buildheaalth@bcbsm.com or call 517-325-4595 for additional information. Schools receiving the program will be announced in September.

Building Healthy Communities is an evidence-based, comprehensive initiative that fights childhood obesity by surrounding children and families with healthy eating and physical activity.  Its wide-ranging approach includes:

Educating students through curriculumProviding a healthy, supportive environment that makes the healthy choice the easy choiceEncouraging students to practice lessons learned in the classroomIncreasing access to physical activity opportunitiesIncreasing access to healthy, nutrient-rich food and beverages

Building Healthy Communities is a partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Community Health, Michigan Fitness Foundation, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University Center for School Health.