Tennessee Announces $14 Million in School Health Grants

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and the Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Timothy Webb today announced $14 million in grants for school systems across the state to continue Coordinated School Health Partnerships, encouraging systems to build strong relationships with local resources to improve students’ health.

“I am pleased to know that we can continue to support local school students with funding that will provide them the resources necessary to protect the physical, mental and emotional health of Tennessee’s students,” Gov. Bredesen said. “A student’s health can support or hinder academic success and it is our responsibility to ensure a stronger generation through partnerships like the Coordinated School Health initiative and CoverKids.”

Since piloting 10 partnerships in 2002, Tennessee has dedicated a steady stream of funding that has in turn resulted in an additional $4 million gain at the district level as the result of partnerships developed by local CSH Coordinators. Through these partnerships families, community members and schools are brought together to focus on health awareness, physical activity, healthy nutrition and counseling services.

“These partnerships help provide our state’s children with a more well-rounded learning experience, focusing not only on academics, but the health and well-being of students,” Education Commissioner Dr. Timothy Webb said. “With the amount of time children spend in the classroom, it makes sense that we invest in their physical and mental health.”

Each year school systems can reapply for the grant that provides for or continues support of a full time CSH coordinated, assistants if needed, basic office supplies or travel expenses. Assembled teams at the local level build relationships with local agencies, write grant applications and collect data to better enhance the school atmosphere focused around healthy students.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.