(NORCROSS, GA)—HealthMPowers and Henry County Schools today kicked off a two-day training to mark the beginning of a three-year partnership with HealthMPowers poised to invest approximately $700K in nutrition and physical activity programs, resources, training and support for students and teachers.
The partnership is made possible by a federal SNAP-Ed grant. As the largest SNAP-Ed implementing agency in Georgia, HealthMPowers will provide high-quality training programs that support the creation of healthy policy and environmental changes for students, families and teachers. All initiatives will center on health equity, youth leadership and improving physical activity and nutrition behaviors of students.
“We are excited to dive headfirst into this new partnership and are thankful for Henry County Schools’ commitment to the health and wellness of their students and staff,” said Jennifer Owens, President and CEO, HealthMPowers. “As we continue to move the needle forward to ensure all children are nourished and active, it is critical that we continue to build partnerships to reach every child in Georgia.”
The two-day training will focus on the effective use of resources, setting goals for the three-year partnership and successful program implementation.
“We are setting the tone to establish a solid foundation for success,” said Dr. Dana Griffith, Executive Program Director, K-12 Schools, HealthMPowers. “Our comprehensive program includes resources that range from lesson plans that are linked to the State Standards, family newsletters, Choosing Healthy Habits Day Planners for every student, virtual exercise videos and so much more. It’s critical to the success of the program that we move forward with a holistic approach.”
“We are embarking upon a local, state, and national education model of holistic wellness for the students, teachers, and leaders of Henry County,” said Yolanda Reid Wheeler, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Specialist and Georgia Department of Education District Coordinator, Henry County Schools. “Our partnership with HealthMPowers will set the stage for establishing the platform that aligns all aspects of wellness, and develops a climate and culture of equity transforming our communities to move towards choosing positive healthy living and lifestyles.”
HealthMPowers core program model is built on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s evidence-based guidelines for assessing and expanding health and wellness. Over the past 20 years, it’s proven highly effective in helping create a future where all children are nourished and active.
