September 5, 2023 – For Immediate Release
As the 2023-2024 school year gets underway, K-5 students in Ocean Springs will be learning important health lessons thanks to the City of Ocean Springs’ police officers and firefighters as part of the Healthy Heroes Program, funded by the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation.
“Healthy Heroes” make monthly visits to K-5 schools teaching healthy nutrition lessons, leading physical fitness activities, and holding community walks for students, parents, school personnel and neighborhood residents. The Healthy Heroes Program is approved by the Mississippi Department of Education’s Office of Healthy Schools and health and wellness experts at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.
Over the past eight years, the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation has partnered with 30 cities across the state providing $2.5 million to support community health and wellness, training 43 police officers and firefighters to teach children about healthy eating and exercise and increasing health literacy among 34,639 elementary students.
“The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation appreciates the City of Ocean Springs’ municipal leaders for taking an active role in creating a healthy future generation of Mississippians,” said Foundation Director Eugenia King. “Police officers and firefighters encouraging students to make healthy food choices and exercise while building positive relationships creates a lasting benefit to the community at large.”
“The City of Ocean Springs is known for its eco-tourism which includes a walkable downtown, bike paths, kayaking, and more,” said Mayor Kenny Holloway. “Our community prides itself on overall wellness and using nature to achieve the best in their health. The Board of Aldermen and I are proud that our Police and Fire Departments will be encouraging our students to use the community to stay and remain healthy.”
The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation has a vision for a healthy Mississippi and provides leadership and targeted grant funding for sustainable initiatives and programs to improve the overall health and well-being of Mississippians. Learn more about the Healthy Heroes Program and how the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation is building a healthy Mississippi by visiting www.healthiermississippi.org.