| Leading health care provider Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross) has committed to making a four-year, $1 million contribution to support North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
The contribution will significantly and directly impact the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (SAES), the School of Education and the Student Health Center where funds will benefit established programs, professorships and scholarships mutually agreed upon by Blue Cross and N.C. A&T.
This contribution agreement helps A&T and Blue Cross promote a lifetime of healthy behaviors. It is intended to create lasting change within the scope and reach of recipients and their respective communities.
“This gift allows faculty and students in the School of Education to engage in the critical research necessary to ensure people from diverse backgrounds receive the valuable information they need to live long, productive, healthy lives,” said Dr. Anthony Graham, professor and interim dean of the School of Education. “We are thankful Blue Cross has chosen to partner with us on this initiative."
Dr. Shirley Hymon-Parker, interim dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, says Blue Cross’ grant award significantly aids in the delivery of food-systems outreach to the public.
“This is an investment that ultimately helps us in the SAES at A&T to sustain and improve the health of North Carolina’s residents,” said Hymon-Parker. “Through food-based research, outreach and education conducted by our faculty and students, the SAES addresses such issues as obesity, nutrition and local foods that affect the health and vitality of our communities. This level of sustained support from the state’s largest insurer is a perfect fit for what our land-grant institution is created to do: use education to benefit and improve its communities.”
As a leading healthcare provider, Blue Cross’ gift is particularly important to the university’s Student Health Center and demonstrates the company’s dedication to truly supporting well-being initiatives of the future.
“Investing in programs that educate students and the general public about health and wellness benefits all residents of this state,” said Kathy Higgins, vice president of corporate affairs for Blue Cross. “This contribution also supports local and minority farmers. We couldn’t be more proud to be part of the great work A&T is doing for North Carolina agriculture.”
“The N.C. A&T Student Health Center recognizes that health education is a mandate that rivals our obligation to deliver quality clinical treatment to our students,” said Dr. David Wagner, director of the Student Health Center. “The Blue Cross donation to our Health Resource Center supports this didactic imperative. These funds will assist us toward our goal of molding vigorous, well informed, health sensitive graduates who, in turn, will promote these values to future generations.” |
