Connecting health and education


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

3057.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 9:10 AM

Abstract #111628

Andrea D. Ridgway, MS, RD, LD, CDE and Susanne Tullos, RN, MNSc, MSBA. Hometown Health Improvement, Arkansas Department of Health, 4815 West Markham, Slot 22, Little Rock, AR 72205, 501-661-2622, aridgway@healthyarkansas.com

A unique collaboration between the Arkansas Departments of Health and Education is working to address the health needs of school children. By utilizing public health nurses and community promotion specialists located in the community (educational services cooperatives) and a State School Nurse Consultant housed at the Department of Education, the agencies are providing a network of support and assistance to the schools within their individual communities and at the state level focused on addressing physical inactivity, obesity and tobacco use in addition to other identified health issues. Two innovative legislative actions currently fund these positions - the Master Tobacco Settlement and Act 1220 enacted to specifically address childhood obesity. These positions work with schools, community coalitions, health care providers, and the Hometown Health regional staff to improve the health of the community. The Community Health Nurse Specialists (CHNS) do not replace school nurses but rather enhance their ability to provide for the health needs of students by identifying local or regional resources, improving access to research-based educational programs, and supporting the school nurse within the school setting. The primary focus of the Community Health Promotion Specialist (CHPS) is working with schools and the community to support the implementation of physical activity and nutrition standards and policies. This statewide initiative between the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Education was created to identify and address needs of youth and families through community collaborations and school partnerships.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to

1) Describe methods for enhancing the role of the school health personnel in addressing the needs of youth and families through school partnerships and community collaboration.
2) Describe how technical assistance can be assist community coalitions and partners in policy planning, development, and evaluation of community health improvement initiatives related to youth.
3) Describe processes developed to provide training, orientation, and continuing education to personnel involved in school health services.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

School Wellness Policies

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA