Jackson State University’s One Fit JSU wellness initiative will host a “Taste of Fitness” Food Expo Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014 at the Walter Payton Recreation & Wellness Center from 12-2 p.m.followed by a check presentation from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation.
Obesity has become a significant threat to the health of Mississippians. The state ranks among the highest adult and childhood obesity rates in the nation. Obesity-related health care costs in Mississippi are projected to be $3.9 billion by 2018.The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation has awarded Jackson State University with $129,000.00 to support fitness and healthy eating through the One Fit JSU wellness initiative.
“The goal of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation is to provide targeted grant funding to organizations working to build and sustain a healthy future for Mississippi communities, schools, colleges and universities,” said Sheila Grogan, Executive Director of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to partner with Jackson State University to implement the OneFit JSU initiative designed to cultivate a healthy campus environment that reaches into the Jackson metropolitan area.”
The One Fit JSU wellness initiative is designed to implement health promotion programs to educate stakeholders in diet/nutrition; exercise/physical activity; individual health management; health risk behaviors; chronic disease prevention and management; mental health; and many other facets within the holistic health continuum. It operates in four domains of outreach: Campus-Based Health Outreach (targeting faculty, staff and students); School-Based Health Outreach (targeting K-12 students, teachers and parents); Faith-Based Health Outreach (targeting attendees of faith-based organizations); and Community-Based Health Outreach (targeting community residents at large).
“With the support we are receiving from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, Jackson State University can continue to educate and engage those we serve. This key partnership allows us positively impact the quality of life for Mississippi citizens. The explicit intent is to reduce the incidence of obesity in both our campus and metro communities,” said Dr. Mary M. White, interim vice president for institutional advancement at Jackson State.
The Walter Payton Recreation & Wellness Center is collaborating with the Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition to provide oversight and project management for the One Fit JSU wellness initiative.
“Obesity predisposes a number of chronic diseases, impacting quality of life and resulting in premature death. Funding from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation is timely and greatly needed to help address obesity in our community,” said Velesha P. Williams, director, Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition.
The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation provides targeted funding throughout the state of Mississippi, focusing on interests related to health programs for schools, colleges and universities, and communities. Learn more at www.healthiermississippi.org.