Success Story - Vancouver School District Advisory Health Council
March 2005
Describe the related Annual Action Plan activity
Vancouver School District establishment of Advisory Health Council
Author & Community
Kristine Perry , Youth and Community Coordinator
Steps to a Healthier Clark County
Community Choices
Steps cost, or resources used
In-kind, or community contribution
TBD
Partners
Physicians, Public Health Educators, Parents; Teachers, Administrators, Students, Food Service Staff, Physical Activity teachers
Disease and/or Risk factor
Obesity, Diabetes & Asthma
Date
6/05
Public Health Problem: describe the problem, such as rate of diabetes, asthma, etc. Program Example: describe how your program addressed this problem. Describe steps taken to achieve the activity.
The Vancouver School District board recognized that childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in Washington and throughout the nation. Overweight children are at risk for developing server long-term health problems. The often are limited in participation in recreation as well as school extracurricular activities, and are at risk for discrimination, psychological stress, low self-esteem, all of which impact learning.
The board is committed to providing an educational environment that promotes healthy eating patterns, which are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth, and lifelong health and fitness.
The board approved a comprehensive nutrition and physical activity policy that will enforce and promote a healthy school environment. Within this policy the district established an Advisory Health Council made up of Physicians, Public Health Educators, Parents; Teachers, Administrators, Students, Food Service Staff and Physical Activity teacher. The role of the council is to give impute to the board on the developing, implementing, monitoring and reviewing of the district wide nutrition and physical activity policies.
Implications and Impact of activity described: describe the impact on data, policies, etc.
Adopting new policies alone will not ensure healthy changes. Establishing an Advisory Health Council offers support and accountability for implementation of the policies.
Describe the activity as an accomplishment or success, a promising practice, or a “lesson learned,” or a demonstration of a “best practice”: Would you recommend this activity for other communities? Why?
The establishment of school advisory health council is seen as a best practice. It is shown that when schools involve parents and community partners in making recommendations related to school health policies, programs and practices it ensures greater successes in implementation.
Describe how this activity relates to sustainable policy change in your community, if applicable.
The Washington State Legislature passed a new law requiring every school district in the state to adopt a policy addressing nutrition and physical activity in schools by August 2005. Vancouver School District adapted its policy. To ensure success in implementation and sustainable policy change the School Advisory Health Council was established and will meet bi-yearly.
