ATTACHMENT 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact:

Alison K. McLaurin

Mark Stinneford

November 10, 2005

 

HWTF

BCBSNC

 

 

(919) 733-4009

(919) 765-3745

Fit Together Launches $1 Million Statewide Grant and Award Program

Fit Community designations available to NC municipalities promoting healthy lifestyles

RALEIGH, NC – Today, Fit Together launched the Fit Community initiative, a statewide program designed to recognize and reward North Carolina cities and towns actively promoting healthy lifestyles. This award is public acknowledgement of a town’s livability and commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. All North Carolina municipalities are eligible to apply for the designation and $1 million in grants, which will be available over the next two years.

Fit Together, the overweight/obesity prevention campaign of the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC), has launched this initiative to reward municipalities for supporting healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco-free living through policy and community infrastructure. As part of the Fit Together partnership, HWTF has provided funding for the Fit Community grants.

Communities chosen for the Fit Community designation will receive:

                         A sign for the entrance to their community

                         A plaque for the mayor’s office

                        Recognition on the Fit Together Web site, www.FitTogetherNC.org

                        Use of the Fit Community designation logo for all municipality communications

 

“Communities across North Carolina are doing wonderful things to promote the health and well-being of their residents and Fit Together wants to acknowledge and support those efforts,” said Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, HWTF chair.

Obesity has emerged as a major threat to children and adults across the United States, and especially here in North Carolina. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 61 percent of North Carolina adults are overweight or obese, and 25 percent reported no exercise in the prior 30 days.  Fit Together’s mission is to support programs and initiatives that address this growing problem.

“Leaders in communities across North Carolina understand that providing infrastructure, such as bike trails and local farmers’ markets, makes it easier for residents to adopt good habits,” said Bob Greczyn, president and CEO of BCBSNC. “By creating a healthy environment and supporting it with health and fitness-friendly policies, local leaders can support residents’ efforts to make permanent lifestyle improvements.”

 

During the next two years, the Fit Community grants will be available for community initiatives in the areas of physical activity and healthy eating. Municipalities can apply for a two-year grant for up to $30,000 annually. Any North Carolina government agency or tax-exempt organization, endorsed by their local Mayor’s office, is eligible to apply for a Fit Community designation and grant on behalf of that municipality. There is no fee to apply for the Fit Community designation or grant.

The Fit Community program joins the recently announced Fit Together Grant Program, sponsored by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (BCBSNC Foundation), which promotes physical activity in rural communities. The Fit Together Grant Program, targets rural communities that are interested in improving access and reducing barriers to physical activity.  Five nonprofit or governmental organizations will be chosen for a three-year grant of up to $40,000 per year. More information on this grant program can be found at www.bcbsnc.com/foundation.

Fit Together and its programs are funded by a partnership between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund.

For more information about the Fit Community program, or to download a Fit Community application, visit www.FitTogetherNC.org.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.2 million members, including approximately 620,000 served on behalf of other Blue plans. For 72 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com.

About NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund

The NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund makes North Carolina stronger, both physically and economically, by funding programs that promote preventive health. Created by the General Assembly in 2000 to allocate a portion of North Carolina's share of the national tobacco settlement, HWTF has invested $127 million to support preventive health initiatives and $78 million to fund a prescription drug assistance program for seniors. For more information, please visit www.HealthWellNC.com.

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