Blue Cross grant to Special Olympics
Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) has announced that it received a $30,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) through its Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® initiative. SONM’s commitment to providing year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and improving quality of life for SONM athletes through Special Olympics Health and Unified Champion Schools programs aligns with the vision of BCBSNM’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grant program to help improve the health of children and their families in local communities.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico’s longtime commitment to Special Olympics New Mexico is one of the most meaningful statewide partnerships for our organization. Since 2002, we have been able to leverage BCBSNM’s financial support through matching funds,” said Randy Mascorella, executive director of SONM.
“Our collaboration with Special Olympics New Mexico has made a far-reaching impact on the health and wellness of children in our communities,” said Janice Torrez, associate vice president of external affairs and chief of staff, BCBSNM. “Special Olympics Health and Unified Champion Schools programs are creating measurable change by providing access to health screenings for children with intellectual disabilities and by fostering a culture of inclusion for children with and without disabilities in New Mexico schools.”
Healthy Kids, Healthy Families is a signature program of BCBSNM. The initiative focuses on engaging children and their families in understanding the importance of nutritious food, raising the level of physical activity, better managing chronic conditions and promoting safe environments. Likewise, SONM’s Special Olympics Health works to improve access to quality health care for people with ID through Healthy Athletes® screenings and health education. Additionally, funds from the Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grant will continue to support SONM’s Unified Champion Schools programs throughout the state. As of 2018, the Unified Champion Schools program is active in 37 schools across New Mexico.