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Establishing healthy behaviors during childhood is easier and more effective than trying to change unhealthy behaviors in adults. Schools have a critical role to play in promoting the health and safety of young people and helping young people establish lifelong healthy behavior patterns because
Six priority health risk behaviors contribute to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems in the United States. These behaviors, often established during childhood and early adolescence, are
Schools can most effectively and efficiently meet the health needs of young people by focusing their efforts on these six priority health risk behaviors, in addition to addressing important health problems such as asthma and foodborne illness.
Studies have shown that school health programs can effectively reduce the prevalence of health risk behaviors among young peopleand have a positive impact on students' academic performance. The following findings demonstrate the effectiveness of select school health programs:
CDC: Advancing and Supporting School Health ProgramsSchools can have the greatest impact on student health and make the most efficient use of scarce resources by developing coordinated school health programs (CSHPs) that bring together the people responsible for all of a school's health-related activities. The Eight Components of a Coordinated School Health Program
Staff responsible for CSHP activities can work with parents, students, and community members to reinforce health messages, tap into new ideas for improving activities, ensure that problems in program delivery are addressed, and avoid duplication of services. Schools typically develop a school health council or team to implement their CSHP. CDC's Leadership RoleCDC is leading the way in preventing health risks among children, adolescents, and young adults through schools. With fiscal year 2004 funding of about $15 million for coordinated school health programs and another $47 million to support HIV prevention education, CDC works with other federal agencies; national nongovernmental organizations; and state and local departments of education, health, and social services to plan and implement these programs. CDC activities that support these programs include
CDC Funding for Coordinated School Health Programs, Fiscal Year 2004
*Currently no states are funded at this level. [A text description of this map is also available.] |
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Making a Difference in the Health of Young PeopleCDC currently funds 23 states for coordinated school health, 48 states and 18 cities for HIV prevention education, 6 cities and 1 state for the establishment of asthma-friendly schools, 1 state for food safety, and over 50 national nongovernmental organizations to assist HIV prevention education and coordinated school health programs. The following are examples of some of these programs. Success StoriesIn Maine, the state CSHP has helped put in place a school health coordinator and school health advisory council in all 54 school administrative units. As a result, CDC's coordinated school health program model and guidelines for tobacco use prevention, physical activity, and healthy eating are being implemented statewide. This widespread use of the model and guidelines has led to profound policy changes such as tighter tobacco-free school regulations and prohibitions on the sale of soda and candy during the school day in all Maine schools. Michigan has developed state-of-the-art, research-based health education and physical education curricula consistent with CDC's guidelines. A sophisticated regional dissemination, training, and technical assistance system has led to widespread use of these curricula in Michigan and other states. For example, the health education curriculum is now used in 94% of Michigan's 555 school districts. In addition, with assistance from CDC, the Michigan State Board of Education also adopted the Policy to Promote Health and Prevent Disease and Pregnancy to encourage schools to use HIV prevention education that is based on sound science and proven principles of instruction. Michigan's Youth Risk Behavior Survey data have documented significant improvements in more than 20 different risk behaviors among the state's high school students since 1995. Wisconsin's state CSHP has developed major initiatives to reduce tobacco use and increase physical activity among its students. The tobacco initiative focuses on increasing the use of CDC's school tobacco guidelines in Wisconsin schools, establishing evidence-based educational programs, and increasing family involvement in tobacco control programs. An independent evaluation showed that 1 year after the initiative was implemented, 243,000 students were receiving significantly improved school tobacco programs and 90% of the targeted schools had increased their use of the CDC guidelines. Cigarette use among high school students in Wisconsin has declined by 26% since 1991. In the first year of the Wisconsin program's physical activity campaign, entitled Movin' Schools, more than 10,000 students reported increases in physical activity. Florida's CSHP provides annual training, technical assistance, and small grants to schools that implement the CDC school health model. Coordinated school health has become central to the vision statements and improvement plans of these schools. For example, at McIntosh Middle School in Sarasota, staff have been trained in CSHP; research-based health education curricula are being used; interagency agreements have been established to deliver needed health services to students and family members; staff have participated in workshops on stress management and nutrition; and the entire school community has received consistent, reinforcing health messages through signs, Web site information, and public address announcements. Since McIntosh Middle School implemented a CSHP, school attendance has improved, the number of students with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and no disciplinary referrals has increased, math scores have risen, and overall the number of disciplinary actions has decreased. Future DirectionsBecause every child needs sound preparation for a healthy future, CDC recommends that all states establish coordinated school health programs. CDC maintains its commitment to supporting school health programs and HIV prevention education nationwide and plans to expand the quality and reach of these programs. As part of this commitment, CDC will continue to provide key leadership and resources and experienced staff to assist states, cities, and national organizations in creating and maintaining the most effective school health programs possible. For more information or additional copies of this document, please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
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Policy | Accessibility This page last reviewed August 10, 2004 United
States Department of Health and Human Services |
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