FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Jan. 6, 2015
CONTACT: Rebecca Normington, 715-221-9726, normington.rebecca@
MARSHFIELD –To encourage innovative measures that improve the health and well-being of pre-K through 12th grade students, Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc., today announced it will invest $150,000 in Healthy Schools Grants this year.
“Many of the most critical health problems we see as a health plan and a member of the community are issues affecting school-aged children – obesity, alcohol and drug abuse, behavioral problems, lack of timely medical and dental care,” said Dr. Mark LePage, Security Health Plan chief medical officer. “The effects of these health problems often follow these young people beyond their school days.”
Healthy Schools Grants can be used to start new projects or improve programs that already exist. The maximum award for a grant is $25,000 per application. Special consideration will be given to applications that address behavioral and dental health and seek to extend health coverage to students who are uninsured.
Security Health Plan will encourage applicants to bring forth new and innovative strategies that can be replicated and sustained, LePage said.
The application period for Healthy Schools Grants is under way, with letters of intent due by Feb. 27. All school districts within Security Health Plan’s commercial service area are eligible to apply.
The grants are for one year, and the funds will be distributed during the first week of June. More information is available at www.securityhealth.org/
“Our Healthy Schools Grants will be an investment in the future of the youngest members of our communities,” said Security Health Plan Interim Chief Administrative Officer Julie Brussow. “Schools already are doing good work within their communities with limited resources. We’re pleased to be able to join with them to promote innovative ideas that will lead to long-term health benefits.”
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About Security Health Plan
Security Health Plan is a member of the Marshfield Clinic Health System, serving more than 225,000 residents in 41 counties of Wisconsin. Accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Security Health Plan insures employees of large and small businesses, individuals and families, and administers self-funded employer health plans.