Posts Tagged ‘School Health’

Implementing Our Strategic Plan- Promote Physical Activity & Nutrition

April 23rd, 2012

Our Public Health Prevention folks launched an exciting new initiative to improve health outcomes for Arizonans this month called the Arizona Population Health Policy Initiative.  This new partnership (with Arizona’s local county health departments) is focused on achieving targeted improvements in health outcomes for Arizonans by advancing evidence-based strategies which address community design, school health, worksite wellness, clinical care, and accessibility to nutritious food.  

The Initiative is similar to CDC’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work and Community Transformation Grants- and the program is funded with federal Title V and state tobacco tax & lottery prevention funds.  The idea came out of our strategic planning process, with the goal of working on several of our strategic planning elements and Winnable Battles by increasing the capacity of our county partners.  

We’re excited to partner with Arizona’s county health and community partners as we move forward with this Winnable Battle from the ADHS Strategic Plan.  For more info on the Initiative you can visit the Chronic Disease blog at http://chronicdiseaseaz.wordpress.com. 

 

No comments »

Posted in Prevention

Tags:

Communities Putting Prevention to Work

April 21st, 2011

Our ADHS Communities Putting Prevention to Work Program was highlighted at a national CDC conference this month with over 1,000 attendees from states, territories, communities and tribes.  Our team presented on the Arizona Baby Steps for Breastfeeding Success that’s working with 31 Arizona Perinatal Trust certified hospitals to develop institutional changes in maternity care practices and increase breastfeeding initiation and duration.  The CDC also highlighted our progressive Childcare Center Rules and our Empower Program that support and facilitate healthy eating and promote physical activity for more than 230,000 kids in AZ.

At the closing plenary session, CDC showcased the Arizona School Health Advisory Video, the only video shown during any plenary session!  If you haven’t had a chance to view the video, take 4 minutes today to see how Arizona schools are working to improve the nutrition at school meals and increase physical activity during the school day. CDC has nominated Arizona as a high-performing state for these initiatives. Our team is making great strides to combat obesity by creating policies and environments that make the healthy choice the easy choice. Well Done!

No comments »

Posted in Prevention

Tags:

School Health Revolution

February 2nd, 2011

The Arizona Department of Health Services is partnering with the Arizona Department of Education to help schools make health a priority.  Arizona has the 15th highest childhood obesity rate in the nation. By creating healthier places to learn, schools are part of the solution to the childhood obesity epidemic. One of the most effective ways to create healthy school environments is to start a School Health Advisory Council.  School Health Advisory Councils are made up of a broad cross-section of parents, community members, and school personnel and assists schools in strengthening school health policies, programs, activities and resources.

Our Nutrition and Physical Activity along with the Coordinated School Health Program is committed to providing tools, resources, and technical assistance to schools and communities to start a School Health Advisory Council. School Health Advisory Councils are a great way to involve families, students, and community members in creating lasting healthy changes to help Arizona students learn better.  Watch our video on School Health Advisory Councils School Health Advisory Council video and be a champion for change in Arizona schools.

No comments »

Posted in Prevention

Tags: