Why Coordinated School Health?

Schools by themselves cannot—and should not be expected to—solve the nation’s most serious health and social problems. Families, health care workers, the media, religious organizations, community organizations that serve youth, and young people themselves also must be systematically involved. However, schools could provide a critical facility in which many agencies might work together to maintain the well-being of young people.

Benefits of a Coordinated School Health Team

Effective Coordinated School Health Teams can…

      Be instrumental in improving student health and creating healthy schools

      Help schools meet community involvement mandates and community expectations

      Support school-health staffed programs

      Provide a way for community members to work together with school personnel to accomplish school building and district goals

      Utilize and make the most of community resources and assets

      Influence more people within a community than a single institution could

      Be a credible, collective voice of support for healthy children and youth

      Provide a forum for sharing youth health information and resources

      Provide a range of advice and perspectives

      Foster personal satisfaction and help members understand their roles in strengthening their community

      Foster cooperation by building trust and consensus among grassroots organizations, community segments, and diverse citizens