D’ana Heinlein is busy. Really, really busy. She’s the Health Director for USD 309, the Nickerson School District. This means she’s not only the school nurse for more than 1,200 students, but she’s also an active participant in community coalitions and committees that aim to improve health across Reno County.

“I’ve worked at the school for 15 years, and I‘ve been involved in the community just as long. I’ve seen community groups and coalitions come together so many times, and for many reasons. I’ve been involved with HEAL Reno County for years and years, since before it was even called that. There’s never been a lack of desire to help our schools and communities be healthier, but trying to come up with the money to implement change in schools has always been hard,” said D’ana.

That’s why she jumped at the chance to apply for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Pathways grant through both the school and worksite wellness pathway.

“$10,000 is a big incentive. We had a wish list of things we’ve been wanting to do, but no funds to make it happen.”

Through the Pathways program, Nickerson was able to bring many positive changes to Nickerson Grade School, including water bottle filling stations and refillable water bottles for all students, and a family wellness night that featured healthy slow cooker recipes that can be made quickly and affordably.

“We wanted parents to leave equipped to make these changes at home, so we gave out Crock Pots and cookbooks that teach you how to buy and make healthy food on a tight budget. It was a big success. Parents and students were excited and responsive.”

There are many factors that can improve student health and wellness, and one thing that often goes overlooked, or underfunded, is the condition of existing equipment. Just ask Physical Education Teacher/Head Track Coach Kristina Littlejohn of Haven USD 312.

“We had to make do with what we had. Our vertical tester was missing a lot of the notches on it, so we just had to guess on the height. We were duct-taping soccer balls, and my whole budget was $250 per year for new equipment. We’d go to a conference, and they’d recommend all this cool stuff but we couldn’t afford it. We’d borrow footballs from football teams, basketballs from basketball teams. We were constantly having to replace things.”

When the opportunity came to apply for Pathways funding through Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Haven USD 312 jumped at it, with both feet--applying for both worksite wellness and school wellness.

“It’s great. We were able to get new games, like tower-size Jenga. On days we get to go outside, we have a lot more options. Middle schoolers get bored really fast. We switch up the curriculum, doing basketball for two week, volleyball for two weeks, etc. And now, we can mix in new things, like Spike Ball, to keep things interesting. They really like the variety, and it keeps them engaged.”

In the Fairfield District, USD 310, the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant funds helped them create a weight and fitness room, which has been a tremendous addition to the residents in and around six area towns.

“It's the only place in our 435 square mile district where you can go to work out free-of-charge. Not only do our students benefit from the facilities during the school day, but community members may also use the room when school is not in session. This would not have been possible without the help from Blue Cross and Blue Shield," said Betsy McKinney, USD #310 superintendent.

Chris Hewitt, Fairfield Athletic Director and Coach, is grateful for the addition as well:

"The impact has been incredible. We've had more students able to enroll in our weights and fitness classes during the day, as well as a much better facility for our athletes to use for strength and conditioning. It's also been opened up to the community and we've had several district patrons who take advantage of being able to use such a great facility close to where they live."

Residents in the community have been taking full advantage of this new resource, not only improving their personal health and wellness, but increasing the sense of connection as well.

"I am so very impressed with the weight room at FHS. My husband Tim and I both are active minded people. I have been involved with weight training for the past 10 years. All the things you need for a great heavy workout are right there. The equipment is outstanding and I hope more people use it to take advantage of the availability and all it has to offer. Now that I have a training room right down the road, I can get in at hours I would not be able to go during my work week," said Detective Diana Skomal, Reno County Sheriff's Office.