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MDCC Teams with BCBS of Miss. to Become Even Healthier
Feb. 17, 2021
Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) recently received a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Foundation of Mississippi to further their smoke/tobacco-free initiatives and become a healthier campus as a whole.
“MDCC has been blessed to receive all three tiers of grant funding under the BCBS smoke-free/tobacco-free initiative, and we are so excited about this round of funding, the largest amount awarded to date, in the amount of $30,000.00,” said Dr. Steven Jones, Vice President of Administrative Services.
“MDCC is proud of our partnership with BCBS that continues to educate our faculty, staff, student body and local communities about the benefits of being a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus and community,” added Derrick Fields, MDCC’s Assistant to Vice President of Student Services.
Jones went on to explain that MDCC will use the funds to implement a bike-share program, purchase new exercise equipment for the Wellness Center and provide additional student activities promoting general health and wellness.
Jones was quick to give credit to Nakeshia Fipps, MDCC’s Counseling and Disability Support Services Coordinator, for contributing the idea of the bike sharing aspect of the proposal.
“MDCC Counseling is very excited about the BCBS smoke-free/tobacco-free initiative grant and the opportunity we will be afforded to help improve the health and wellness of the college. Assisting those with a desire to stop smoking through smoking cessation programs is something we look forward to doing,” explained Fipps. “As counselors, we are always searching for ways to improve the wellness of students and staff, so we are very appreciative that we could contribute the bike share program and are enthused about the future. It will be a unique addition that we believe will prove attractive and beneficial to students and staff alike.”
MDCC President Dr. Tyrone Jackson was likewise thrilled about the new opportunities that the grant will provide.
“We at Mississippi Delta are always excited when we can educate our students in not only academics, but also in living a healthier lifestyle. The opportunities provided to us through this grant from BCBS Foundation of Miss. will allow us to do just that. We will be able to show our students, faculty and staff a healthier way of life and assist those who are struggling to kick the tobacco habit,” concluded Jackson.