NHPS and BCBSD join Biztown Sponsors

Wilmington, Delaware
Tuesday, November 04, 2008 @ 10:30 AM EST
by: Karen Bengston, Public Relations Manager

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware and Nemours Partner to Teach Children About Insurance, Health

Wilmington, DE -- Junior Achievement of Delaware’s JA BizTown™ is entering its 2008–2009 school year with a new addition to its list of businesses — a wellness center, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) and Nemours Health and Prevention Services.

JA BizTown is a simulated town where fifth-grade students learn how adult life works — including lessons on voting, paychecks, taxes, philanthropy and business management. Located in JA BizTown, the new Wellness Center provides students with an opportunity to learn about health insurance and careers in the health care industry. Students receive health insurance from their JA BizTown employers, and then visit the Wellness Center to receive wellness screenings and health information, including tips on Nemours’ 5-2-1-Almost None program, which teaches students about habits to keep them healthy. The program promotes eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, spending no more than two hours a day in front of a TV or computer, getting physical activity for one hour a day, and drinking few or no sugary drinks such as soda.

“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware was eager to participate in this program,” commented Timothy J. Constantine, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware. “We recognize that it is important to reach children early and often about health care basics, so they can become informed, healthy adults.”

“This program pairs the two things that Nemours cares about most — health and children,” explains Marihelen Barrett, RN, MS, Director for Children's Health Innovation, Nemours Health and Prevention Services. “Nemours welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with BCBSD in this endeavor — it’s a great way to teach kids about healthy habits, and we hope they will pass along what they learn.”

JA BizTown consists of 22 businesses, all sponsored by actual, local businesses, and serves approximately 5,000 area fifth-graders each year. Before visiting JA BizTown, students omplete a four-week economic training program in the classroom, teaching them valuable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving and setting goals. Students attend mock  job interviews to find a suitable job for them before their trip — which range from working at a bank, to managing the local radio station.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. In its 73rd year of service, BCBSD offers a comprehensive portfolio of health benefits products to more than 436,000 customers. BCBSD is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. More information about BCBSD is available at www.bcbsde.com.

About Nemours Health and Prevention Services
Nemours Health and Prevention Services (NHPS), based in Newark, Delaware, works with families and communities to help children grow up healthy. NHPS expands Nemours' reach beyond clinical care to consider the health of the whole child within his or her family and community. The goal is to encourage policies and practices that make child health promotion "business as usual" in Delaware and to leverage existing community resources to reach the most children. Online at www.GrowUpHealthy.org.

modified: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 @ 10:48 AM EST
created: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 @ 10:30 AM EST