Iowa and South Dakota communities awarded nearly $90,000 from Wellmark's 3-Point Play program Awards fund projects to promote community health and wellness

DES MOINES, IA – Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is awarding six communities in Iowa and South Dakota funds ranging from $11,000 to $17,000 as part of its 3-Point Play program. During the 2017-2018 football and basketball seasons, college sports fans were encouraged to nominate their Iowa or South Dakota hometown each time a successful field goal or 3-pointer was made during a game featuring any of the states’ Division I teams.

“Over the past eight years, we have proudly supported the well-being of Iowans and South Dakotans through our innovative 3-Point Play program — reminding fans to eat right, move more and feel better,” said Chris Verlengia, Wellmark’s senior brand marketing manager. “We are excited to build on that tradition and work alongside this season’s winning communities on projects that will benefit both their current residents and future generations.”

At the end of the basketball season the nominations were tallied. Out of more than 300 hometowns nominated across both states, funding was awarded to initiate or complement community health improvement projects in the following communities:

Since the program’s founding in 2010, Wellmark has provided more than $670,000 for projects that build vibrant, active communities. From bike trails to playgrounds, Wellmark’s 3-Point Play is one of the many ways the health insurer is continuously improving the health of its members and communities.

To learn more about Wellmark’s 3-Point Play program, visit wellmark3pointplay.com.