About Coordinated School Health
From 2008 to 2013, yearly funding from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention will be used in Minnesota to increase comprehensive, effective school health education; to increase physical activity and healthy eating habits among K-12 youth in and out of school; to prevent HIV, STDs and teen pregnancy; and to increase high school completion for all students. This five-year plan is a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education and many community organizations dedicated to the health and success of young people.
The Coordinated School Health Program and HIV Prevention staff chose to develop an integrated Strategic Plan (PDF: 166KB/30 pages) to implement activities. Staff convened a strategic planning work group of stakeholders from state, community and county agencies and high school youth to provide input, review contents and submit feedback on the plan.
Goals
- Increase the number of elementary, middle school, and high schools in Minnesota providing comprehensive, effective school health education.
- Increase the number of K-12 youth in targeted Minnesota districts who engage in moderate physical activity and have healthy eating habits in and out of school.
- Increase high school completion in targeted Minnesota school districts.
Mission
Promote coordinated efforts among schools, families and communities to measurably improve the health, and thereby the learning of Minnesota’s youth.
Vision
Educate, support and equip Minnesota children and youth with skills, attitudes and practices conducive to a lifetime of good health.
Eight Components of Coordinated School Health
A coordinated school health program model consists of eight interactive components:
- Health Education
- Health Services
- Nutrition/Food Services
- Parent and Community Involvement
- Healthy School Environment
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Health Promotion for Faculty and Staff
- Physical Education
Schools by themselves cannot—and should not be expected to—solve the nation’s most serious health and social problems. Families, health care workers, the media, religious organizations, community organizations that serve youth, and young people themselves also must be systematically involved. However, schools could provide a critical facility in which many agencies might work together to maintain the well-being of young people.
The Center for Disease Control has recommended the following working descriptions of the eight components of a coordinated school health program:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coordinated School Health Program