The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59564

Steven H Kelder, PhD, MPH¹, Howell Wechsler, EdD, MPH², and Lisa C. Barrios, DrPH². (1) School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, 7000 Fannin, Suite 2658, Houston, TX 77030, 713-500-9636, Steven.H.Kelder@uth.tmc.edu, (2) Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, MS K-12, Atlanta, GA 30341

Promoting healthy behaviors is an important part of helping young people acquire the skills to become healthy and productive adults. By promoting healthy behaviors, schools can increase students’ capacity to learn, reduce absences, improve physical fitness and mental alertness. To help schools meet this challenge, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed the School Health Index (SHI). The SHI was designed to help schools: (1) identify strengths and weaknesses, (2) prioritize actions for improvement, and (3) develop a team approach to implementing school guidelines recommendations. The SHI is made up of eight modules which reflect the Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) model which includes 1) School Environment, 2) Health Education, 3) Physical Activity Programs and Practices, 4) Nutrition Services, 5) School Health Services, 6) School Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services, 7) School-Site Health Promotion for Staff, 8) Family and Community Involvement. The first SHI targeted physical activity and healthy eating (2000). The second edition included tobacco-free lifestyle (2002). The third edition now adds injury and violence to the health topics covered by the SHI (2003). The SHI has been used widely by schools across the country and is available free of charge. This presentation will describe the SHI, its developmental process and pilot testing, and availability for use in schools. The SHI may be found on-line at: www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/SHI.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• Describe the evolution of the School Health Index and how it is linked to the CDC school health guidelines.
• Identify three different ways the School Health Index has been used in practice to improve school health programs and policies.

Keywords: School Health, Planning

Related Web page: www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/SHI.

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.