Bettering the health of Tennesseans now and in the future is the central commitment of outreach initiatives, corporate sponsorships, foundation support and volunteer programs at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. In 2006, the company contributed more than $4.7 million in financial support, in-kind giving and volunteer efforts to more than 200 organizations and community event initiatives. Key giving channels include the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, and the corporate outreach and awareness programs that work to change lives and lifestyles in support of better health.

Foundation funds research to prevent preterm births
In the largest grant in its three-year history, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation funded a $2.48 million Vanderbilt University research project in 2006 to study the growing problem of preterm births in Tennessee. Tennessee is ranked 48th in the nation in infant mortality. The high incidence of premature births creates long-term health complications for children, as well as emotional and financial strains on families, communities, and the health care system. Research goals are to determine if premature births can be prevented in a population of women at high risk for early delivery by using prenatal progesterone, and how such an intervention effort can help reduce the health disparities, infant mortality rate and costs associated with preterm births. This is just one example of the company’s outreach initiatives, and a testament to our commitment to address and solve health issues in our communities.

Stepped-up awareness of childhood obesity issues
Up to 30 percent of Tennessee school students are overweight, while up to 43 percent are at risk for being overweight, according to current estimates and studies. The growing problem of obesity in school-age children – the real and potential impact on health and quality of life – is a key awareness initiative for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. Poor nutrition and decreased physical activity are contributing factors to a growing epidemic of childhood obesity that has the potential to make today’s school-age children the first generation to fail to outlive their parents.

In the fall of 2006, more than 160,000 students across Tennessee began benefiting from the statewide launch of WalkingWorks for Schools, a BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee program aimed at improving children’s health with healthy lifestyle habits, starting with the simplest of steps – walking. Prior to the statewide launch, initial results from a pilot program showed immediate benefits, with 75 percent of participating teachers reporting physical changes among students, and 70 percent indicating overall improvement in students’ behavior after participating in a regular classday walking routine. Teachers also have their own Web site for program support, WalkingWorksforSchoolsTN.com.

In addition, to increase awareness of the health issues that childhood obesity can cause – and spark action for change – the company created Born to Move, a family approach to healthy living. The five-module DVD presentation is an important tool for parents, health care professionals, educators and others to better understand the crisis, and learn fun and helpful tips for curbing and preventing childhood obesity. The free DVD offers insights on why we face an obesity crisis, and provides helpful information on what families can do to instill life-long healthy choices for their kids. Featuring solutions from pediatricians, parents, exercise counselors and nutritionists, the DVD acts as a catalyst to help start important conversations about what it takes to keep today’s kids on track for a healthy future.

Creating solutions for the uninsured
The second annual Best Practices Forum on Uninsured Health Care, sponsored by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust, brought together health care professionals, thought leaders, administrators and program volunteers from across the state to explore ways to care for Tennessee’s uninsured. More than 12 volunteer-based clinics across the state provide annual care to more than 73,000 uninsured and under-insured Tennesseans. The annual forum provides a unique opportunity to collaboratively address the growing needs of the uninsured, as well as the health care professionals and facilities that provide them care.