AETNA FOUNDATION AWARDS $25,000 GRANT TO NORTHERN MIDDLESEX YMCA
-- Funds
Support Program to Help Children Get Active --
MIDDLETOWN, Conn., Dec.
18, 2012 —The
Aetna Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Aetna(NYSE: AET), has
awarded a $25,000 grant to the Northern Middlesex YMCA to expand a youth
fitness program to seven Middletown elementary schools.
Led by Y staff, the CATCH
Recess program teaches noncompetitive games to elementary school students
during recess at seven of the city’s eight elementary schools. Participating schools are Bielefield, Farm
Hill, Macdonough, Moody, Snow, Spencer and Wesley.The
program engages children in active play for 25 minutes each recess period,
leading to improved cardio-health, fitter bodies, stronger social skills and more personal confidence.
“Thanks to the support from
the Aetna Foundation, we have been able to expand this important health and
wellness program from five elementary schools in Middletown last year to seven
schoolsthis year. We now reach more than 1,000 young people in our community,”
said Michele Rulnick, vice president of the Northern Middlesex YMCA. “The CATCH
Recess program is a great way to engage kids who may feel left out of
traditional playground sports and may be at risk of poorer health from a
sedentary lifestyle.”
Originally developed in the
early 1990’s at the University of Texas, the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to
Child Health) program is currently being used in 8,500 schools and after-school
programs around the country. The Northern Middlesex YMCA introduced the program
in 2007 as part of the curriculum at its before- and after-school programs. Four
years ago, the Y launched the program at recess at four Middletown elementary
schools.
Encouraging active and
healthy lifestyles is a significant part of the Aetna Foundation’s mission to
promote health and wellness.
“We know that regular
physical activity can help young people maintain a healthy weight and reduce
their risk of diabetes, heart disease and other obesity-related illnesses when
they are older,” said Sharon Dalton, vice president of the Aetna Foundation and
director of regional grant making. “By offering a wide range of physical
activities in a fun and inclusive way, the Y is teaching healthy habits that
can lead to a lifetime of good health. We are pleased to be able to support the
Y in this effort.”
Middletown school principals
are enthusiastic about the constructive effect CATCH Recess is having on their
students.
Jon Romeo, principal at
Macdonough School, said, “On CATCH days many more children are actively engaged
in activities. This is most notable with children who are often sitting on the
sidelines when CATCH is not available.”
Parents of students who have
participated in CATCH Recess report that their children have higher fitness
levels and an increased understanding of the connection between physical
activity and good health. Students are
rewarded with special t-shirts, ribbons and certificates.
The Aetna Foundation grant
supports the CATCH Recess program throughout the 2012-2013 school year.
About
the Northern Middlesex YMCA
The Northern Middlesex YMCA
is for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Y provides a wide variety of services
and programs to strengthen the community including childcare, camping, health
and wellness, and youth development. The Y’s open doors program, supported by the
United Way and our Annual Community Support Campaign, assures that YMCA
services are made affordable for all members of the community. For more information regarding the CATCH
program or other YMCA services please contact Michele Rulnick 860-343-6217 or mrulnick@midymca.org.
About the Aetna Foundation
The
Aetna Foundation, Inc. is the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of
Aetna Inc. Since 1980, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed
$413 million in grants and sponsorships, including $19.2 million in
2011. As a national health foundation, we promote wellness,
health, and access to high-quality health care for everyone. This work
is enhanced by the time and commitment of Aetna employees, who have
volunteered more than 2.6 million hours since 2003. Aetna’s
current giving is focused on addressing the rising rate of adult and
childhood obesity in the U.S.; promoting racial and ethnic equity
in health and health care; and advancing integrated health care. For more
information, visit www.AetnaFoundation.org.
