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Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon Get $10K Regence Grant

Posted on: Wednesday, 11 February 2009, 18:59 CST

Award supports healthy lifestyle programs and incentives

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon announced today it awarded a $10,000 grant to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon. The grant will support the Clubs' programs that help kids develop healthy habits and decision making skills, and improve their commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

"Regence sees first-hand the impact that our choices have on health, and we're working hard to create a culture of wellness for our employees and the community," said J. Bart McMullan, Jr., M.D., president of Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. "We commend the Boys and Girls Clubs for focusing on wellness at a young age. Teaching kids to lead fun, active lifestyles helps them grow into healthy adults."

Funding will be used to purchase equipment that emphasizes regular physical activity along with incentives and rewards to encourage children to participate in healthy activities. For example, a child who successfully completes an obstacle course as part of a Boys and Girls Club running club might be eligible for "club bucks," which can be used in a club store to purchase rewards such as books, stickers, bracelets, markers, etc. The Boys and Girls Clubs focus on incorporating healthy living and active learning in every part of the Club experience.

"We appreciate Regence's strong commitment to building healthier communities, especially in today's difficult economy," said Lisa Burbidge, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Oregon executive director. "We are grateful for their support as we work to create strong, sustainable clubs that will serve central Oregon families for years to come."

About Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is a leading health plan in Oregon, with nearly one million members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest / Intermountain Region, serving three million members as Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueShield (in Washington), Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield of Idaho. Each plan is a not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence is committed to improving the health of our members and our communities, and to transforming our health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com.

About Boys and Girls Club of Central Oregon

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon has four locations and serves more than 550 young people daily, providing them with guidance-oriented programs emphasizing education and career development, health and life skills, character development, the arts and sports, fitness and recreation. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at some locations. Visit www.bgcco.org for additional information.

SOURCE Regence; The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon

Source: PR Newswire

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