The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation has given Jackson State University $129,225 to boost a healthy campus environment that reaches into the Jackson metro area.
The foundation is focusing on three areas: cities, K-12 schools and universities, said executive director Sheila Grogan during a check presentation ceremony at the Walter Payton Recreation & Wellness Center on Wednesday.
The foundation is pleased to support the One Fit JSU initiative, she said, with thePayton Center collaborating with the Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition to provide oversight and project management.
In accepting the check,Dr. Mary M. White, JSU interim vice president for institutional advancement, noted that obesity is “a significant threat” in Mississippi. Obesity-related health care costs in Mississippi are projected to be $3.9 billion by 2018, she said.
TheOne Fit JSU wellness initiative is designed to implement health promotion programs including diet and nutrition, exercise and physical activity, and ways to prevent and manage disease.
Dana A. Brown, associate vice president for business and finance, said mind/body/spirit are key factors in health and that the Payton Center is honored to partner in promoting healthy lifestyles.
Velesha Williams, director of the Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition, thanked the foundation, the Payton Center and JSU for their support and also thanked those who participated in the “Taste of Fitness” Food Expo that led up to the ceremony.
Local participants included Piccadilly at Jackson Medical Mall, the Penguin at JSU, McAlister’s Deli, Country Fisherman, Garden Works Teas, and Blue Skyz Still Waters Massage Therapy.
The foundation has given funds to K-12 schools throughout the state promoting indoor and outdoor exercise, Grogan said, and to several Mississippi cities as part of its Healthiest Hometown initiative, as well as to each of the state’s public universities.