Resources

FAQs

What is Highmark Healthy High 5?
A: Highmark Healthy High 5 is a five-year, $100 million initiative of the Highmark Foundation to promote the lifelong health of children and adolescents (ages 6-18) in the communities served by Highmark Inc. Highmark Healthy High 5 will build awareness, change behavior and create supportive environments within the following sub-issues of children's health promotion:

• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Grieving
• Self-esteem
• Bullying.

Through education, communications, leadership, volunteerism, grants and programming, Highmark Healthy High 5 will help create a generation of children and adolescents who will lead longer, healthier lives.

What is the mission of Highmark Healthy High 5?
A: The mission of Highmark Healthy High 5 is to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents (ages 6-18) in the communities served by Highmark Inc. to ensure that they have healthy bodies and minds.

What is the goal of Highmark Healthy High 5?
A: The goal of Highmark Healthy High 5 is to reach all children and adolescents (ages 6-18) in the communities served by Highmark Inc. to ensure they have the skills to live healthier lives by making informed choices. This aligns with the Highmark Foundation's corporate mission to support initiatives and programs aimed to improve community health.

What is children's health promotion?
A: Children's health promotion is a strategy for improving the health of children by providing them with the tools and practices needed for healthy behavior. The Federal Department of Health and Human Services identifies 28 health promotion focus areas through its Healthy People 2010 initiative. The Highmark Foundation believes that its greatest opportunity to make a lasting social impact is in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, grieving, self-esteem and bullying.

Why did the Highmark Foundation choose to focus on supporting children's health promotion?
A: Highmark, which has a long history of involvement in promoting children's health, demonstrated through funding, leadership and volunteerism, has made a $100 million contribution to the Highmark Foundation to fund Highmark Healthy High 5. We understand the health habits children develop at a young age will continue with them through adulthood. Through Highmark Healthy High 5, we hope to create a generation of children and adolescents who exhibit and maintain healthy behaviors.

How will Highmark Healthy High 5 address children's health promotion?
A: Highmark Healthy High 5 will help promote healthy behaviors in children and adolescents (ages 6-18) by raising awareness through education and communications; changing behavior though programs and grants; and creating supportive environments through volunteerism and leadership.

How will the $100 million be distributed? When will grants be available?
A: The $100 million will be distributed by the Highmark Foundation over the course of five years to address children's health promotion. Highmark Healthy High 5 grant applications will be accepted beginning in fall 2006 to coincide with the launch of Highmark Healthy High 5 and the Highmark Foundation's quarterly funding schedule.