Wichita, Kansas —The Kansas State Alliance of YMCAs announced today it has been awarded a $150,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) to expand access to healthy living programming to rural and underserved populations throughout the state. The grant will fund the expansion of YMCA360, a suite of products recently launched by the YMCA that brings its people, places and programs to life through seamless web, TV and app technology. YMCA360 is a robust digital experience that combines immersive, healthy living with the values of the YMCA to deliver the ultimate connected community.
Across the state, there are many communities that do not have access to physical fitness, nutrition and educational classes, and YMCA360 will be an accessible way for those Kansans to improve and maintain their health.
“Investing in healthy communities and eliminating barriers to healthy lifestyles are important areas of focus for Blue Cross and we are pleased to support the Greater Wichita YMCA with the development of YMCA360,” said Virginia Barnes, director, BCBSKS Blue Health Initiatives. “When individuals are able to access affordable ways to keep themselves and those they love healthy, everyone wins.”
Support from BCBSKS will allow for expanded production of content, translation of content into Spanish and other languages, livestream broadcasts, closed captioning and income-based financial assistance for Kansans with economic barriers that would otherwise prevent access.
“We thank Blue Cross for this generous grant and partnership to make healthy living for all a reality for every Kansan, regardless of where they live or their financial resources,” said Ronn McMahon, president and CEO of the Greater Wichita YMCA. “We see a fantastic opportunity to work together to share the tried-and true-programs of the YMCA with individuals across the state as well as rural community centers, libraries and many other gathering spots.”
Currently, YMCA360 offers more than 500 on-demand exercise classes, gymnastics, basketball and soccer videos, nutrition and cooking classes and personal training. YMCA360 is free with a YMCA membership. The Greater Wichita YMCA developed and implemented YMCA360 for partner YMCAs to utilize across the country. All YMCAs in the state of Kansas currently participate, making YMCA360 accessible to all YMCA members in Kansas. YMCA360 is also available to those without a YMCA in their area through a special YMCA360+ membership.
Additional details about the initiative can be found at ymcawichita.org/ymca360.
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ABOUT THE GREATER WICHITA YMCA
Since 1885, The Greater Wichita YMCA has been volunteer-led and mission driven and consistently empowered healthy lifestyles, strong families, and positive youth development for all in Southcentral Kansas. Today, we employ 1,400+ and serve 300,000+ of our neighbors in Butler, Harvey, Kingman, Reno, and Sedgwick Counties. We support healthy spirit, mind, and body through community development, education and wellness initiatives, youth and family programs, licensed child care and camp, and physical activity. Our 180,000+ members and the entire community have access to over a million square feet of fitness space across our ten area branch locations in Andover, El Dorado, Newton, and Wichita as well as four seasonal, outdoor water parks (Andover and Wichita), two indoor/outdoor sports complexes (Andover and Wichita), and Camp Hyde (Viola). Our annual Strong Community Campaign which funds our free and reduced-costs programs and enables scholarships, grants, and income-based member and program pricing for those who qualify allow us to honor our commitment to serve all, regardless of their ability to pay. Learn more at ymcawichita.org/about.
ABOUT BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF KANSAS
For more than 75 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.