The 2016 Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Recent data indicates that adult obesity rates continue to be a major concern for the United States with rates exceeding 35% in four states, 30% in 25 states and above 20% in all states.  There is some progress being noted, as researchers are finding that national childhood obesity rates have leveled off and the drastic increases in adults are starting slow.  However our work is barely scratching the surface, putting this generation at risk of being the first in American history to live shorter lives than their parents.  In addition to shorter life expectancies, this generation of children are more likely to suffer from illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and asthma, have social problems, and miss more school than their average weight peers.

Aside from home, 95% of school-aged children spend most of their day at school.  That is why it is critical for schools to engage in opportunities to shape the lifelong health and well-being of children and adolescents through environments that promote good health.  The Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program gives schools that chance through an evidence-based initiative that creates a framework to help schools develop sustainable healthy changes.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation was founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation in 2005. The Alliance launched the Healthy Schools Program in February of 2006 with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Healthy Schools Program provides tools, resources, and support to more than 27,000 schools nationwide in the following six wellness categories that address school health improvement:

• School Health & Safety Policies & Environment
• Health Education
• Physical Education & Physical Activities
• Nutrition Services
• Health Promotion for Staff
• Family and Community Involvement

To be recognized for becoming a Healthy Schools Program takes a dedicated leader within the school that is able to allocate the time and resources to complete the school-based inventory and then the application process.  The Healthy Schools Program is very comprehensive and requires schools to provide evidence of support to ensure they are truly meeting the criteria as outlined in the application. 

The 2016 National Recognition Awards go to:

Allamanda Elementary – Bronze level

Gove Elementary – Bronze level 

These two schools join previous award recipients from Palm Beach County: Hagen Road Elementary (2010), Banyan Creek Elementary (2011), Crosspointe Elementary (2011), Berkshire Elementary (2012), South Olive Elementary (2012 & 2015), Forest Hill Elementary (2013 & 2014), Manatee Elementary (2013), Everglades ES (2014) SD Spady Elementary (2015) Timber Trace Elementary (2015) and Equestrian Trails Elementary (2015)

Through the years, Palm Beach County has been fortunate to have excellent support from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.  Some of the benefits that have been provided to our schools include:

• National recognition for small victories and big successes.
• Implementation support and tools that are robust and informative to help schools achieve lasting change.
• Networking opportunities with schools across the country on the quest for a healthier school.
• A Resource Database with quality resources and grant opportunities for every school’s efforts to implement healthy changes.
• National Advisors who are experts in their areas and are always available to help schools with their questions, resources, and award applications.

The goal is to have all schools in Palm Beach County become familiar with the Healthy Schools Program. The program offers free access to a wealth of resources and tools for schools to become a healthier place for students to learn and for staff to work. This partnership will inspire young people and their families to develop lifelong, healthy habits. Overall, it will enhance wellness efforts as well as provide a monitoring instrument to evaluate how the Program is doing.

To learn more visit: http://www.healthiergeneration.org/