Project Healthy Schools: Creating a sustainable middle-school based intervention to fight childhood obesity

Project Healthy Schools (PHS) a community-University of Michigan collaborative provides middle-school-based programming and environmental change to reduce childhood obesity and long-term health risks. Seven years of research measurement support consistent lowering of students' cardiovascular health risk indicators and increased healthy lifestyle choices. Wellness Coordinators provide 10 hands-on activities, motivational assemblies, incentives for positive behavior change, cafeteria and policy changes, and communication campaigns. To reach students in high risk areas where obesity is prevalent and resources scarce, a model for sustainability was designed for PHS to become a permanent part of the school culture, ensuring the program's continuation without onsite coordinators. The model includes identifying a school Wellness Champion who coordinates communication between stakeholders such as teachers, school administration, health team members, parents, and students. Champions receive a stipend as they work within their school community to embed PHS in school culture and sustain the environmental and educational changes previously made. PHS continues to be available to participating schools by providing consultations, quarterly newsletters, communicating via online web blogs and offering annual trainings where Champions can share best practices, keep up with curriculum changes and meet school health advocates. The model is being implemented in the 2010-2011 school year. Expected outcomes include successful completion of 10 hands-on activities, continuity of the school health team, implementation of a healthy year-end event and maintenance of a healthy school environment. The PHS model for sustainability will encourage permanent healthy school environmental changes and support further program expansion to underserved populations with modest resources.