DETROIT, Aug. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Alliance Plan (HAP) announced today that it would donate $25,000 to support the Crim Fitness Foundation's mindfulness program, which includes support for the Crim's mindfulness program in the Flint Community Schools during the 2016-2017 school year, as well as a symposium on that topic this fall. The announcement was made at a press conference to kick off the HealthPlus Crim Festival of Races.

The donation will help the Crim Fitness Foundation expand its existing program and aid mindfulness training and curriculum for Genesee County educators. With this support, teachers and school staff will be trained to incorporate mindfulness techniques in their daily classroom routines. The goal is to help students stay focused and present while attending school.

"Mindfulness is wellness programming that is often overlooked and misunderstood," said Tom Spring, director of wellness and community relations for HAP. "We wanted to help the Crim expand its existing program so that people understand the benefits. When you're on autopilot, you're not in control, and may participate in actions without thought or consideration of the consequences."

HAP's donation will also help support the Crim Mindfulness Symposium & Conference on Oct. 6. The Flint event will feature national experts on mindfulness, as well as details of the Crim's plans for the 2016-2017 school year.

For decades, the Crim has offered programs to encourage residents in Genesee County to eat better and move more. The mindfulness program serves as one part of the overall school-based strategy to keep people well.

"HAP is focused on keeping our communities and members well before they ever get sick," said Spring. "We are inspired by the Crim and its work to encourage physical activity. Programs like the 'I Crim for Flint' campaign are a fun way to motivate kids to start building healthy habits early."

Contact Jamie Florida by email at jflorida@crim.org for more information about Crim Mindfulness programs.

HAP Acknowledges 30- and 40-Year Racers
HAP also made it easier to spot the veteran Crim racers on Saturday. During today's press event, HAP honored 30- and 40-year racers with a badge of honor – an orange armband to acknowledge their accomplishments. Forty-year racers will sport the orange and white version while 30-year racers will wear an orange and black band during this week's activities.

Earlier this year, HAP announced that it would serve as the title sponsor of the 2017 HAP Crim Festival of Races, succeeding HealthPlus as title sponsor following the merger of the two companies in February.

About Health Alliance Plan
Health Alliance Plan (HAP) is a Michigan-based, nonprofit health plan that provides health coverage to more than 675,000 members and companies of all sizes. For more than 50 years, HAP has partnered with leading doctors and hospitals, employers and community organizations to enhance the health and well-being of the lives we touch. HAP offers a product portfolio with six distinct product lines: Group Insured Commercial, Individual, Medicare, Medicaid, Self-Funded and Network Leasing. HAP excels in delivering award-winning preventive services, disease management and wellness programs, and personalized customer service.

SOURCE Health Alliance Plan (HAP)

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