Wisconsin's Coordinated School Health Program

Wisconsin established coordinated school health programs (CSHPs), giving its students the advantages of a well-rounded approach to school health that includes health and physical education, health and nutrition services, counseling/psychological services, a healthy school environment, and parent and community involvement. In 2001, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin, the state's Department of Public Instruction (DPI) established an annual Best Practices in Physical Activity and Health Education Symposium, a 2-day staff development workshop for teachers. The DPI and Department of Health and Family Services were also awarded $700,000 in additional CDC funding for a cardiovascular disease prevention project in Milwaukee Public Schools, resulting in enhanced nutrition education, school meals, and opportunities for physical activity.

The goal of this program is to reduce the prevalence of health risk behaviors among young people by creating healthy school environments that promote health and wellness.

All Wisconsin school districts received nutrition education information and training opportunities. More than 3,200 staff were trained in topics such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2000, the importance of a good breakfast, the relationship of nutrition to learning, and school nutrition policies to support healthy eating. In 2001, along with the state school health and physical education association, the DPI implemented "Movin' Schools," a complement to CDC's Youth Media Campaign. More than 10,000 young people increased their physical activity through school-linked activities in 2002.