BlueCross, Microclinic International Partner to Improve Health of Tennesseans
Program highlighted in new issue of Better Tennessee magazine
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation awards grants annually to organizations working to improve the health of Tennesseans. Microclinic International, a recipient of one of these grants, offers training clinics in disease prevention and management to foster healthy habits in the state's residents.
Microclinic International began in the Middle East and Africa and has been in Tennessee for two years. The program uses small clinic groups composed of motivated individuals who become advocates for good health. Clinic participants learn about healthy behaviors, as well as disease prevention and management, then use this information to influence the habits of their friends, families and neighbors, creating a ripple effect of better health.
The latest issue of Better Tennessee magazine, published by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, features MCI and some of its clinics in East Tennessee.
"MCI's model is premised on the idea that good health behaviors are just like bad health behaviors; they can be made contagious and spread throughout social networks," says program founder and chief executive officer Dr. Daniel Zoughbie.
According to MCI, one person changes the lives of 5-10 people through a microclinic, and those attendees go out and change the lives of even more. The program has established strong roots in East Tennessee and plans to expand statewide.
"Good habits can help prevent countless health issues," says Chelsea Johnson, interim director of community relations and foundations at BlueCross. "The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation is proud to support the work that Microclinic International is doing on the front lines to encourage better health among our state's residents."
Through grants from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust, as well as corporate sponsorships, BlueCross invested nearly $10.5 million in Tennessee communities in 2016.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc. (THF) was established in December 2003 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. THF awards grants focused on high-impact initiatives across the state that promote better health.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's mission is to peace of mind through better health. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and across the country. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company's website at bcbst.com.
For Media Inquiries:
Misty Philpot
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Microclinic International website
Microclinic International Facebook page
SOURCE BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation
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