CHN Participates in School Wellness Program

GOLD BEACH, OR (February 23, 2015) - Even before Central Curry School District learned they would be the recipient of a 2014 OEA Choice Trust Wellness Grant, the Board of Directors of Curry Health District agreed to partner with them in their endeavor to improve the health and well-being of employees and schoolchildren, and in building a culture of health that promotes healthy living to prevent or manage risk factors and chronic diseases.

According to the OAE Choice Trust web site, during the first year of a five-year grant period, up to $25,000 will be received, with a maximum of $75,000 for employee wellness programs that will be implemented within five years. Grantees are required to provide a minimum of 50% in matching funds, either through in-kind contributions or outside funding partners. Curry Health Network's contribution of staff and health screenings goes toward the matching fund requirement.

Phase I of the "Central Curry Cool Waves to Wellness" grant process is geared to the health of teachers and other school employees, and then Phase II will move to include health and wellness of the schoolchildren. Curry Health Network will also participate in Phase II, as well as follow-ups with the participants of Phase I.

Curry Health District board chairperson Gary Anderson said the board agreed to provide staff and health screenings in late October, and administration was also fully supportive of the Network's contribution and recognized the importance to the schools and our community. "Curry Health Network whole-heartedly endorses this worthy program, and is pleased to be able to contribute to the continuing and improved health of our local teachers and school children," he said.

Registered nurses Jeanette Wheeler and Judy Backhouse, Phlebotomists Milo Mann, Brandi Barrigar and Terri Steele; and Michael Steele, Medical Laboratory Scientist and Curry Health Network Laboratory Manager were on hand at Riley Creek Elementary the morning of February 23 to take blood pressure readings and draw blood of more than 40 school employees. Blood screenings that will be performed include a hemogram (white cell, red cell, and platelet count with hemoglobin and hematocrit evaluation), a lipid profile (LDL, HDL and triglyceride), and a blood glucose level.

"These excellent baseline tests help people 'see' the health of their body from the inside," said Steele. "Hopefully this will make them aware and cognizant of their health and help them make healthy food and exercise choices." All data will be charted demographically and used to educate the participants as well as compare with later follow-up tests. Curry Health Network is providing documentation and handouts that explain the tests and the value of having routine health screenings.

"Engagement with the community through health fairs and screenings is the best way to make the community aware and actively participate in their own health management," said Steele. "My staff and I were happy to be a part of helping Curry County and its citizens live happier, healthier and longer lives."

"Teachers are in a great position to act as positive role models for students, and more and more schools, parents, students and communities realize the strong links between health and education. I applaud the steps toward improved health taken by the teachers and other school employees - it shows leadership and commitment that students can see is real," said Rebecca Moore, Health District Board Member whose two youngest children attend Riley Creek. "Students will be watching the teachers set a good example of the importance of health, and health leads to improved learning. I'm very proud to be part of Curry Health Network and its commitment to improved community involvement."

Grant volunteer Aga Kemp said the grant is only the beginning of an amazing journey for school staff and children toward improved health and wellness. "The support of our community partners is an integral part of its success and I am so grateful for the generous contributions, support, vision and professionalism Curry Health Network has provided us every step of the way."

Read more news here.