Funds provided exercise equipment and wellness coach
LISBON, ND – North Dakota State Veterans Home in Lisbon was a 2019 recipient of a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation Rural Health Grant. The grant helped them fund exercise equipment and free monthly consultations with a personal health and wellness coach for employees.
North Dakota State Veterans Home employees are able to utilize the workout equipment 24/7 at no cost to them to promote physical activity and wellness. Karlee Dick, restorative therapy aide and wellness coordinator stated, "Finding adequate services and fitness training is very difficult in rural communities. This creates a large barrier to rural community residents' physical health and wellness. Due to the grant funding from BCBSND Caring Foundation, employees are now able to utilize on-site workout equipment at no cost to them to promote physical activity and wellness. We've had great feedback from our employees."
Exercise equipment purchased included a treadmill, elliptical, free weights, yoga mats, resistance bands and a bench. The workout room also includes a corner for staff to bring their children in after hours to do homework, play or watch movies while the employee works out.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation (www.BCBSND.com/Caring-Foundation) is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues that help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff work with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, collaborate on shared outcomes and create lasting change.
