When Delta State University received a $700,000 grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation to improve the health and fitness in Bolivar County, it went largely unnoticed by the media.

 

Yet impressive results were happening daily behind the scenes.

 

John Sewell, board member of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, said Delta State was selected to receive the grant because it "has the resources, leadership and vision to make a healthy difference in a part of our state that truly needs it."

 

Delta State president John Hilpert said the grant allows the university to "make a difference in the lives of the people who study, work and live here … to help lead the way to a healthier Delta as a whole." 

 

Leslie Griffin, PhD, dean of the College of Education, who oversaw the development of the initiative and its application to the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, said the generous award positioned Delta State "to work with campus, school, and community partners to build a campus and community culture of wellness while addressing the unique health challenges of the Delta."

 

Cleveland Mayor Billy Nowell said he's enthusiastic about developing a "better, healthier Cleveland."

 

"The program has the full support of the city," he said, adding that city leaders will gladly work with Delta State and Blue Cross "to ensure that this program is successful."