Recorded presentation

Laurie Stillman, MM, Asthma Regional Council of New England, The Medical Foundation, 622 Washington St., 2nd floor, Dorchester, MA 02124, (617)451-0049 x504, laurie.stillman@verizon.net

Public education and public health intersect in many important ways. Each reinforces the other's professional mission through overlapping policies, programs and populations. However, public educators, like the public in general, often lack understanding about the important role that public health practice plays within the educational setting. As a result, nutrition, fitness, occupational and student health and safety, as well as social and physical environmental policies receive short-shrift, especially during tight fiscal times. The author will demonstrate specific examples of how election to a local school board can have a positive influence on promoting sound public health practice and policies within the public education setting. Examples will include stragegies for improving the indoor air quality of school facilities to protect child and faculty health and safety, promoting fitness and nutritional opportunities, and ensuring that the most disadvantaged children in the system receive the support they need to promote their at-risk health outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will learn how public health professionals can use their training and skills to influence public education through participation as an elected or appointed official on a school board;
• Attendees will learn specific strategies for improving the health and safety of school children and staff;
• Attendees will learn the art of running successfully for local office in order to advance public health goals in the community at large.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation