Pennsylvania Public Health | Initiatives Supported by the Highmark Foundation
Bullying Prevention

Bullying Prevention

Every seven minutes, a child is bullied in the United States. Bullying in schools across the nation leaves too many children and teenagers taunted, isolated, alienated and alone. With 160,000 children in the United States missing school every day for fear of being bullied, the issue can't be ignored. Bullying is a widespread issue. That is why the Highmark Foundation decided to tackle this public issue head-on in Pennsylvania, while empowering families, students, teachers and administrators to do the same.

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  • Established bullying prevention efforts in 2006
  • Implemented the world-renowned Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
  • Reached approximately 210,000 children in Pennsylvania
  • Impacted approximately 17,000 teachers and 345,000 parents through bullying prevention programs
Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity

Obesity is a root cause of many chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and certain cancers. Highmark Foundation's plan to address childhood obesity in its region focuses on physical activity and proper nutrition. For more than a decade, the Foundation confronted this public health issue in Pennsylvania by funding evidence-based physical activity and nutrition programs aimed at educators, parents and most importantly, children.

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  • Established childhood obesity prevention efforts in 2000
  • Funded programs that have directly impacted schools and community-based organizations
  • Reached more than 1 million children in Pennsylvania
  • Granted 1,500 school buildings funds to implement year-long wellness programs
Dental

Dental

Oral health problems are prevalent across the United States, because too many either go without dental care or face disproportionately high barriers to receiving dental care. The Highmark Foundation believes that investing in and addressing the oral health and dental care of individuals, as well as the professionals who care for them, will help thousands of disadvantaged individuals in its service area.

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  • Began dental care and oral health efforts in 2008
  • Impacted 20 nonprofit dental providers through nearly $2 million worth of grants
  • Benefited poor, impoverished and special needs populations through grants
  • Improved access to dental care in underserved areas across Pennsylvania