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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
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In the United States, some racial and ethnic populations suffer
disproportionately from preventable diseases, many of which result from
health-related behaviors established during childhood and adolescence.
School programs that address risk behaviors among youth can help improve the
health of populations at risk for these health disparities. Coordinated
School Health Programs (CSHPs) are an effective way of accomplishing this
goal. CSHPs focus on improving quality and increasing coordination,
resulting in a planned, organized, and comprehensive set of courses,
services, policies, and interventions that meet the health and safety needs
of students in grades K–12.
Beginning in 2005, the CDC-funded state CSHP provided resources and technical assistance to Gadsden County, Florida, to implement a districtwide CSHP. Gadsden County suffers disproportionately from health disparities and academic challenges.
To begin the project, the school district formed a planning and advisory
committee, Gadsden County Wellness Approach to Community Health (G-WATCH).
Next, every participating school was required to complete CDC’s School
Health Index (SHI) to identify its individual needs. G-WATCH used the
results of the SHI assessments to develop a coordinated school health
strategic plan that included 45 goals and emphasized nutrition education and
physical activity. The state CSHP gave each of the participating schools
$2,000 yearly to maintain a Healthy School Team to implement activities
consistent with the district strategic plan.
After 2 years of implementation, G-WATCH accomplishments include:
Adopting a district policy that encourages physical fitness and discourages employing or withholding physical activity as punishment.
Passing a district policy for a daily 15-minute recess for students in grades pre-K–5.
Prohibiting sales of carbonated beverages during meal periods.
Implementing meal schedules that comply with the Florida guideline of a 20-minute seated eating time.
Effective CSHPs can increase adoption of health-enhancing behaviors,
improve student and staff health, and use resources more efficiently. In
addition, research demonstrates that improving health increases academic
performance. Therefore, widespread adoption of the CSHP model should help
improve the health and academic performance of our nation’s youth.
NOTE: Success stories, including background data and
outcomes, reflect information as reported by participating programs. Also,
in this context, impact refers to short-term or intermediate outcomes.
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Contact Us Page last reviewed:
April 23, 2008
Division of Adolescent
and School Health
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