The Local and State Health Officer, and the Importance of the School Administrator's Support

A school-community Health Advisory Council should be formed to assure child health is a priority issue and to foster cooperation and collaboration among agencies serving families and children.

Members of the community at-large should be invited to serve on this Health Advisory Council, including representatives from health care, labor, business, government, and financial institutions along with student leadership, the parent-teacher association, school administrators and staff.

The Importance of School Administrative Support

Administrative support can create a comprehensive school health model which becomes a major initiator and promoter of health care in the community. Such school health models help assure:

• Children and youth routine preventive health services and promote access to regular health and dental care
• Self-care and responsibility for decision-making are encouraged in students
• Families are assisted in acquiring and modeling health habits which promote positive choices for children
• And schools provide an educational setting matched to the developmental needs and strengths of children.