18 schools joining resource program for mental, physical health
A total of 341 schools across the state have been chosen to participate in this year’s Building Healthy Communities program.
Supported by Blue Cross Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the state and other foundation and university partners, the program offers additional resources to school communities for student’s overall wellbeing.
Now in its 12th year, the initiative works to support teachers, administrators and students with curriculum, equipment and professional development to address challenges with academic success, mental and physical health.
Eighteen schools in Oakland County will be participating in the program this year.
Farmington Public Schools, with a total of 12 participating schools, is among the top three districts with the most involvement behind Detroit Public Schools Community District and Lansing Public Schools. Oak Park City School District will have three participating schools, Pontiac School District will have two, and Troy
School District will see one school in the program.
“It is important that children practice healthy habits during this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “Building Healthy Communities provides the resources and support to create school environments that support the development and reinforcement of healthy habits, especially healthy eating and being physically active. We intend to support schools to reach their vision to build a
culture of health and to support students to learn.”
The program is expected to serve over 158,000 public and private school students this year in online, hybrid and in-person settings. About 74% of the state’s participating schools are in lowincome communities.
A new “Meals on the Move” program will be offered as part of the initiative in an effort to increase access to breakfast and lunch opportunities for those communities that are food insecure.
“The tremendous growth of this program is a win for
students across Michigan — many of whom typically have low access to health support,” said Becky Cienki, director of behavioral health at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. “By cultivating environments that provide everything from fresh produce and daily physical activity to lessons on how to manage emotions, the Building Healthy Communities program is able to plant the seeds for healthy habits of all kinds.”
Schools across the state were invited to apply for one of three programs: Engaging Elementary Schools through
Partnership for grades kindergarten to fifth, Engaging Middle Schools Through Project Healthy Schools for grades six through eight and Step Up for School Wellness for grades kindergarten to seniors in high school.
The schools in Oakland County involved include, with city:
• Beechview Elementary School, Farmington Hills
• Crescent Academy, Southfield
• Forest Elementary, Farmington Hills
• Gill Elementary School, Farmington Hills
• Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills
• J.A. Lanigan Elementary School, Farmington Hills
• Kenbrook Elementary, Farmington Hills
• Leonard Elementary School, Leonard
• Longacre Elementary, Farmington
• Oakside Scholars Charter Academy, Waterford
• Oxbow Elementary School, White Lake
• Susick Elementary, Troy
• Whitman Elementary, Pontiac
• Wood Creek Elementary, Farmington Hills
More information on the Building Healthy Communities program can be found at bcbsm.com/buildhealth.