Proviso Partners for Health: School Wellness Policy Initiatives

Introduction:  Childhood obesity remains a critical public health challenge.  A 2004 federal mandate required school districts to establish school wellness policies to address this concern.  Surveillance of students in Proviso Township, IL, indicates exaggerated obesity prevalence compared to other Cook County regions.  Effective methods to reduce obesity include community based partnerships bringing stakeholders together to implement policy targeted at obesity prevention. 

Approach:   Proviso Partners for Health (PP4H) is a coalition of community partners convened by Loyola University Chicago Health Sciences Division devoted to obesity prevention through policy, systems and environmental strategies (PSE).  PP4H convened in October 2014 with 38 community agencies represented.  Four subgroups were formed:  a) early childhood, b) schools, c) built environment, and d) food access. Local school wellness policies exist and provide the framework for PSE implementation. 

Results:  A School Wellness Committee has been initiated at one high school with approval from school administration.  Membership includes students (5), parent, school faculty (3), the food service director, and health professionals (3) from the school-based health center (SBHC).  Building on an existing successful model of engagement, student members were recruited through a health education program, Lunch Bunch, operated by SBHC staff for six years.    Initial plans are to develop our student members into Youth Policy Advocates to:  a) build relationships with stakeholders for a multi-sector approach, b) complete a school wide assessment of the food and physical activity, and c) implement evidence-based PSE strategies. 

Discussion:  Obesity prevention policy initiatives can be supported by collaborations with existing relationships and resources.