WAYS FOR K-12 SCHOOLS TO GET INVOLVED
Thank you for your interest in becoming involved! There are many ways for schools to work with us to achieve health outcomes. Schools may commit to working on a specific strategy or may dedicate resources to ensure the success of the Coalition's work through raising awareness and funds to support a priority area of interest to students. Whatever way you choose to become involved, the best first step is to complete a CHIP in! agreement here.
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Following are some of the most popular ways for schools to get involved:
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Become a 5-2-1-0 participating school!
5210 Worcester is implementing a nationally recognized childhood obesity prevention program. The name represents 5 fruits and vegetables a day, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 sugary drinks. Download an information sheet here for an overview of the program.
Join the 84 movement!
The 84 is a statewide movement of youth fighting tobacco in Massachusetts. The 84 represents the 84% of Massachusetts youth who did NOT smoke when the movement began. Now, 89% of youth do NOT smoke. Download an information sheet here or check out this video here.
Recruit students for the local Youth Health Action Committee!
The Youth Health Action Committee is a new initiative comprised of young people ages 15-18 from the Central Massachusetts area interested in driving social change efforts to promote healthier communities. Download a flyer here and a Peer Health Organizer position description here.
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Organize a fundraiser!
Please contact Kristin Bafaro, Director, at kristin@healthygreaterworcester.org to learn more about organizing a fundraising campaign or event which will raise awareness and funds to support a healthy community.
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A more extensive list of 2016 CHIP strategies which pertain to schools is below:
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Substance Use
2.1.1 – Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in schools
2.1.4 – Reduce barriers to Recovery High School
2.3.1 – Increase naloxone use
2.4.3 – Increase social-emotional learning curricula for youth
Access to Care
3.2.7 – Increase screening, testing, treatment, and referral to services through schools and SBHC
Mental Health
4.1.1 – Promote career options in mental health
4.3.1 – Mental health education to reduce stigma
Cultural Responsiveness
6.1.1 – Use CLAS standards to test programs for Cultural and Linguistic Appropriateness
Access to Healthy Food
7.1 – Increase use of National School Lunch Program
7.1.6 – Input on school breakfast/lunch program by school-aged children
7.3.3 – Implement Kindergarten Initiative at schools
7.3.4 – Expand curricula around community gardens, cooking, and nutrition
Physical Activity
8.1.2 – Safe Routes to School maps and audits
8.1.5 – Every elementary school has safe place to play