Comprehensive School Health Programs (CSHP)

A comprehensive program is holistic in that it does not focus solely on physical health but also addressis mental, social and emotional health issues and includes the following eight components:

HEALTH INSTRUCTION is written, sequenced pre-K through 12th grade curriculum, which is age appropriate and based on students needs and current and emerging health concepts and societal issues. This includes knowledge and skills which enable students to assume personal responsibility for decisions regarding injury prevention, community, consumer and environmental health issues, disease prevention and control, family lifeand human sexuality, nutrition, personal and mental health, and tobacco, alcohol and other drug use.

QualitySCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES promotes the health of students through prevention, case finding, early intervention and remediation of specific health problems, provision of first aid and a triage of illness and injury.

A safe and HEALTHY SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT and climate that contributes to mental comfort, social development, and safety of students and school personnel.

School COUNSELORS, PSYCHOLOGISTS and social workers that foster the positive climate of the school and work in parnership with teachers, nurses and other school personnel to develop a plan for helping students who are at risk.

School FOOD SERVICE programs that provide nutritionally balanced meals, support health education and allow students and staff to make healthy dietary choices.

A STAFF WELLNESS program that invests in the health and well-being of faculty and staff. Staff wellness will strengthen school morals and enhance the effectiveness of faculty and staff in working with students.

Lifetime fitness and physical activity, taught through a quality school PHYSICAL EDUCATION program and supported through community recreational programs, will promote the contribution of an active lifestyle to the prevention of disease and for the maintenance of positive mental health.

An INTEGRATED PARTNERSHIP between the school and the community that includes a School Helath Advisory Council with representation for school faculty and staff, parents, and community leaders who can provided leadership and support for the establishment of an on-going comprehensive plan for the school health program.

The success of a CSHP depends largely on the effective integration of these eight components. If well coordinated, these components can have complementary and synergistic effects on the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of student, staff and the community.

EMail comments to Dr. Carol Cox ccox@truman.edu