Three new resources from APHA offer public health practitioners, educators and others guidance for creating healthy and equitable school environments.

Health and education are linked, and schools are an optimal setting to address that connection, according to the resources, which were released in September by APHA’s Center for Public Health Policy. Each of the reports shares examples of programs and strategies being used in school districts across the U.S. that can help guide health advocates in their work.

• “Towards a More Inclusive Future: Creating Equitable School Environments to Improve Health for K-12 Students of Color”Student sits at desk look up at teacher, whose hand is on desk

Racial and ethnic disparities are reinforced by systemic injustices in educational settings, underscores the report. Such disparities can cause students of color to be less likely to earn passing grades or graduate from high school than their white peers. Promising practices being used to address the issues include targeted support for vulnerable students, equitable disciplinary practices and community-focused programs through school-based wellness centers.

• “Towards a More Inclusive Future: Creating Equitable School Environments to Improve Health for K-12 LGBTQ+ Students "

LGBTQ+ youth continue to face stigma, prejudice and discrimination, fueling higher rates of depression, anxiety, behavioral issues and suicide risks. Schools can help support LGBTQ+ students by affirming their identities, safeguarding their safety, creating liaisons and implementing other promising measures spotlighted in the report.

• “Building Healthier Futures: Transforming School Environments for Student Well-Being and Success”

Physical environments of schools can also influence health and academic success of children, says the new report. Poor air quality, unsafe water and exposure to environmental hazards in schools jeopardize students’ health and hinder their ability to learn. Promising strategies for improving environmental health in schools include indoor air quality programs, changes to ventilation, chemical management programs and community engagement, the report says.

More information on the link between education and health is available on the APHA website.

 

Photo by Andy Barbour, courtesy Pexels