The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41868

Leslie Goldman, MA, Office of School Health Programs, The New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, 212-822-7265, lgoldman@nyam.org and Vincent B. Giordano, Division of Student Support Services, Board of Education of the City of New York, 110 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Since 1979, The New York Academy of Medicine Office of School Health Programs has provided a wide range of comprehensive health education programs and school-based health initiatives to New York City Public School teachers, administrators, parents, and students. These innovative programs and projects have attracted and sustained the interest of private organizations and government agencies for over 20 years. Currently, the Academy administers a coalition of more than forty-five private foundations, corporations, voluntary agencies and individuals -- the largest public-private sector supported comprehensive health education program in the United States. The Academy has successfully trained over 10,000 elementary, middle and high school teachers in 900 schools and reached over a million New York City youngsters and their families.

Marshalling resources through the partnership, the Academy is in a unique position to meet the changing needs of New York City public school students and their families. For example, in response to the events of September 11, 2001, the Academy has developed a multidimensional program that partners with nationally recognized mental health specialists to rebuild the well-being of schools and move children and families beyond the crisis. The program is designed to help school communities enhance the ability to cope with stress and change, be resilient in adversity, examine diversity, and build tolerance for and appreciation of cultural, ethnic and religious differences.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to

• Recognize opportunities to form partnerships in the areas of public health and health education.
• Learn strategies to foster collaboration and help build public/private sector coalitions.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.