Birmingham, AL – As part of our mission to encourage healthy habits among students, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud to support the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind’s (AIDB) newly-opened Joe Tom Armbrester Greenhouse. This greenhouse will allow over 400 students in the Joe Tom Armbrester Agriculture Center and gardening program to gain hands-on experience gardening and teach them the importance of nutrition and healthy eating.

“It is an honor to partner with the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind to make this greenhouse possible,” said Sophie Martin, Director, Corporate Communications and Community Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. “Not only does the greenhouse support students’ education, it also supports our goal of decreasing childhood obesity.”

Housed on the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind’s campus, the greenhouse will allow students to plant, tend and harvest a variety of vegetables throughout the year, regardless of temperature or rain. After harvesting, students will also learn how to best cook these vegetables to maintain their nutritional value.

“The greenhouse will allow our students to have a hands-on, interactive opportunity with hydroponics [and] composting, as well as encourage experimentation and exploration of new methods of agriculture and the use of STEM concepts in a real-life environment," said Becky Watson, Executive Director of the AIDB Foundation and Chief Institutional Advancement Officer of AIDB. "Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama understands the need to support and promote the inclusion of individuals with visual and hearing disabilities, and we are proud to be the recipient of their generosity."

Blue Cross’ sponsorship of the Joe Tom Armbrester Greenhouse is just another example of our commitment to give back to the community through health and wellness initiatives for residents of all ages across the state.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has insured Alabamians for over 90 years. Blue Cross offers coverage plans to corporations, individuals and the senior market. For more information about Blue Cross, visit AlabamaBlue.com. Connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on X for more up-to-date information.  

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind

Established in 1858, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is America's most comprehensive provider of Education and services to people who are Blind, Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or multi-disabled. Through five campuses in Talladega, the AIDB North Campus in Decatur, and ten Regional Centers throughout the state, AIDB provides services to over 31,000 people annually and employs more than 1,500 individuals throughout Alabama.