Coordinated School Health

A coordinated approach to school health improves children's health and capacity to learn through the support of families, schools and communities working together.  The coordinated school health model provides a framework for the process of establishing, implementing and evaluating policies and environmental changes within the school setting.  The application of this model can assist school districts in providing prevention and education services. 

Coordinated school health can:

• Improve attendance of students and staff
• Reduce healthcare costs
• Increase self confidence and self esteem
• Decrease tobacco use
• Decrease violence
• Increase physical activity
• Promote healthy food choices
• Decrease unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases

In 2006, CCBH school programs impacted approximately 182,000 kids in over 300 schools in Cuyahoga County.  Many of the schools and communities which currently receive Board of Health services already utilize some of the eight components of the model and have expressed a need for assistance in expanding their school health services.  The Board promotes the adoption of a coordinated school health model and is committed to assisting local school districts in developing, implementing and evaluating philosophy.  The CCBH has a coordinated school health committee in place, comprised of knowledgeable representatives from our school-based programs.  This committee is exploring a variety of options to partner with schools to assess data and identify priorities which will promote healthy lifestyle choices and a healthy school environment.

The Board recognizes that if parents, teachers, students, community leaders and local public health work together, Cuyahoga County will have healthier children who are better learners, thus, making a healthier community!