March 31, 2005

Contact:

Amy Vineyard
Adventure Science Center
avineyard@adventuresci.com
615-401-5059

Christi Williams
Seigenthaler Public Relations
christi@seig-pr.com
615-327-7999

Nashville, TN - BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, the state's leader in health care financing, has given $1 million to Adventure Science Center to help significantly expand its one-of-a-kind health and body awareness exhibit, BodyQuest.

Construction already has begun on BodyQuest's five new interactive exhibit areas, which will increase the square footage of the multifaceted health exposition by 5,500 square feet for a total of 9,000 square feet.

The new areas include a 10-foot-tall beating heart that allows children the opportunity to pump the same amount of blood in a minute as the typical human organ, and a giant digestive system that encourages young Science Center visitors to help grind, swallow and mix food. The expanded BodyQuest will open to the public on May 30, 2005.

"BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee became a partner in this original project because we wanted to support the Adventure Science Center's commitment to teaching children and their families about healthy choices and lifestyles," said Vicky Gregg, President and CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. "The Science Center is in a prime location to reach many people across the state and beyond. It also is one of only 14 such organizations around the country focusing on health, which enhances Tennessee's position as a leader in healthcare and health education nationwide."

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and the Adventure Science Center share the same vision of a healthier population that understands from an early age how the body works and how to best take care of it, Gregg said.

"Our purpose in creating this exhibit was three-fold: to educate about the body and its systems, encourage healthy choices and inspire careers in healthcare," said Ralph Schulz, CEO of Adventure Science Center. "We are so fortunate that BlueCross BlueShield, a leader in the field, has strengthened our ability to reach these goals and touch as many children and families as possible with this fascinating and instructive exhibit."

The first phase of BodyQuest, a 3,500-square-foot area of the Science Center that houses Body Battles (immune system), The Wind Pipe (respiratory system) and The Amazing Aging Machine (part of the healthy choices portion of the exhibit) opened in the summer of 2004. The remaining areas now under construction encompass:

• The Heart of It All (circulatory system)
• The Locker Room (skeletal and muscular systems)
• Brain Storm (nervous system)
• Down the Hatch (digestive system)
• Mini Med Center and Ambulance (an area devoted to healthcare careers)

The presenting sponsors of BodyQuest are HCA and The HCA Foundation on behalf of TriStar Health System and The Memorial Foundation. Other sponsors are the Nashville Academy of Medicine Alliance (NAMA) and Saint Thomas Health Services. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is the state's oldest and largest not-for-profit health plan, serving more than 2.6 million Tennesseans. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on financing affordable health care coverage and providing peace of mind for all Tennesseans. BlueCross serves its members by delivering quality health care products, services and information. For more information on BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, visit the company's Web site at www.bcbst.com.

For 60 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for children in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond. The center offers hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage children of all ages to explore how science, invention and innovation affect their lives. Adventure Science Center encourages imagination and curiosity, and engages the senses in the fascinating world of science.