Children & Youth

1. 

   Forces at Play: Exploring the intuitive design of the upcoming BlueCross Healthy Place at David Carnes Park in Memphis

   Could the path to happiness start at your local park? It sounds too good to be true, but research increasingly shows it’s a real possibility. A recent study of well-being in 44 major cities across the U.S. found that park coverage was among the best predictors of residents’ health and happiness. The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation is investing in Memphis parks through its first BlueCross Healthy Place project, the revitalization of David Carnes Park in the city’s Whitehaven neighborhood. “Concentrating our giving on BlueCross Healthy Places will allow us to have a bigger impact within our communities, reaching both urban and rural areas across the state,” said Scott Wilson, BlueCross director of community relations and health foundation. “We’re […]
2. 

   Teen Suicide in Tennessee: Are today’s youth more at risk than previous generations?

   Think about what a day looks like for today’s teenager. Most days, you’re balancing eight hours of class, after-school activities, hours of homework and maintaining relationships with family and friends. Some are doing all that while working part time. Most are doing it while trying to maintain a certain image in the outside world, in person and online — all while internally struggling with self-esteem issues that are common during adolescence. For some teens, online image holds a lot of importance. The Pew Research Center reports 94% of teens who go online using a mobile device do so daily, and 71% use more than one social media site when they do. That can lead to intense peer pressure, scrutiny and […]
3. 

   Good Sports: BlueCross volunteers and Nashville Predators partner to connect with kids in the community

   Who do you admire most? Ask a kid that question and you’ll get lots of answers, but research shows there are a few that consistently top the list: Parents Athletes Teachers While 92% of kids say their parents are their biggest role models, 73% say they “look up to or want to be like” professional or Olympic athletes. Teachers are on par at 72%. So how can communities use that power for good? In Nashville, the Preds hockey players host an annual community day as well as Preds Prospect days in June. In partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, 36 rookie Nashville Predators went to 9 locations across Nashville to interact with kids and do some good in their new […]
4. 

   The Front of the Line

   In Chattanooga, STEP-UP gives low-income high school students work-readiness training and paid internships. Here’s how one intern describes his time at the aquarium in Chattanooga.

   The Front of the Line: STEP-UP intern Chegrys Palacios talks about what his time at Chattanooga’s Tennessee Aquarium means to him

   In Chattanooga, STEP-UP gives low-income high school students work-readiness training and paid internships. Here’s how one intern describes his time at the aquarium in Chattanooga.
5. 

   The Family We Choose

   As adults, we forget the little things that make kids easy targets, such as being picked up last from school. Isiah Porter remembers, and tells us how Coalition for Kids gave him a place to belong.

   The Family We Choose: Coalition for Kids offers Johnson City youth activity, encouragement and connection

   As adults, we forget the little things that make kids easy targets, such as being picked up last from school. Isiah Porter remembers, and tells us how Coalition for Kids gave him a place to belong.
6. 

   Kids & Screen Time Quiz

   How much do you know about kids and screen time? Take our quiz to find out.

   Kids & Screen Time Quiz: Test your knowledge about how much time Tennessee kids spend with screens

   How much do you know about kids and screen time? Take our quiz to find out.
7. 

   Power of We Scholar: LaDarius Millen

   Power of We scholarship recognizing academic achievement and promote diversity. Better Tennessee spoke to LaDarius Millen, one of the first scholarship recipients, about his education and career pursuits.

   Power of We Scholar: LaDarius Millen: 3 questions with a BlueCross Health Foundation scholarship recipient

   Power of We scholarship recognizing academic achievement and promote diversity. Better Tennessee spoke to LaDarius Millen, one of the first scholarship recipients, about his education and career pursuits.
8. 

   Golf’s Angels Behind the Scenes

   St. Jude Classic golf tournament volunteers give back to children affected by life-threatening diseases.
   .

   Golf’s Angels Behind the Scenes: St. Jude Classic golf tournament volunteers give back to children affected by life-threatening diseases

   St. Jude Classic golf tournament volunteers give back to children affected by life-threatening diseases.
   .
9. 

   Creating a BlueCross Healthy Place in Memphis

   Access to an area where people of all ages can gather together, enjoy the outdoors and exercise leads to improved physical and mental health. But before any of that can happen, you have to get people there.

   Creating a BlueCross Healthy Place in Memphis: $5.4 million investment will provide a community with a revitalized place to get active

   Access to an area where people of all ages can gather together, enjoy the outdoors and exercise leads to improved physical and mental health. But before any of that can happen, you have to get people there.
10. 

    Food for Thought

    At East Side Elementary in Chattanooga, a community is coming together to defeat one of education’s biggest foes: an empty stomach.

    Food for Thought: A community comes together to defeat one of education’s biggest foes: an empty stomach

    At East Side Elementary in Chattanooga, a community is coming together to defeat one of education’s biggest foes: an empty stomach.