Second annual drive meets needs for nurses serving students at five Tennessee elementary schools
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — This week, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee clinical leaders and staff completed their delivery of donated health and medical supplies to five schools across the state.
The deliveries, made during the past few weeks, were the result of a school clinic drive held by the company earlier this year to help school nurses meet the health care needs of students in economically challenged areas. Employees at five BlueCross offices across the state contributed to the effort, gathering items ranging from bandages to cotton balls to toothbrushes and more. The company chipped in for the purchase of durable medical equipment, including wheelchairs and crutches for all five schools.
“These school clinics play a vital role in keeping students healthy, often addressing medical issues before they become serious enough to warrant taking a child out of the classroom,” said BlueCross vice president and chief clinical engineer Rodney Woods. “And in some areas, the school nurse offers the only health care many children will receive.”
The schools receiving donations in this year’s drive included:
• York Elementary, Jamestown
• Wartburg Central Elementary, Wartburg
• Roan Creek Elementary, Mountain City
• E. A. Harrold Elementary, Memphis
• Westhaven Elementary, Memphis
“We want our students to continue to grow and learn, and in-school health services are one of the best ways we can evaluate, protect and promote the well-being of our students,” said Coordinated School Health executive director Lori Paisley, who helped identify the schools that could benefit most from the donations. “We are grateful for the support of BlueCross in this work. These donations will allow our schools to further support student wellness and success in some of our highest-need communities.”
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide 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.