ALBANY COUNTY — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County has been awarded $211,940 for its Supporting Healthy Youth and Families Initiative.

The award is one of two in the first-ever Blue Fund grant cycle from BlueShield of Northeastern New York.

This cooperative-extension project is to educate children and their families and caretakers on the importance of well-child visits and strategies for health and safety at home. The initiative targets youth, adults, and families as they learn together. Experienced staff will provide practical programs about healthy living, good nutrition and food selection, physical fitness, and stress reduction to promote lifelong healthy behaviors.

BlueShield of Northeastern New York, a not-for-profit, community-based health plan, launched the Blue Fund in July 2018, to support organizations and initiatives that work collaboratively to address key health areas and demonstrate enhanced measurable outcomes for the community.

The other award, for $115, 234, went to Boys & Girls Clubs of Schenectady for Positive Behavioral Intervention Services. Prevention counseling services, crisis intervention, individualized behavior plans, and positive behavioral intervention will be given to at least 150 of the 900 children who use the Schenectady clubs.