Franklin Community Health Network’s Healthy Community Coalition Awarded $2 Million from the U.S. Department of Education

Affects Mt. Blue Regional School District, MSAD 58, and the Stratton School

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) President/CEO Rebecca Arsenault today announced that its affiliate Healthy Community Coalition has been awarded a $2 million grant over three years from the U.S. Department of Education through the Carol M. White Physical Education Program to expand and develop youth physical and nutrition education programs in collaboration with Mt. Blue Regional School District, MSAD 58, and the Stratton School.

 

The grant is one of 67 grants awarded nationwide totaling more than $33 million to schools and community-based organizations that plan to implement comprehensive, integrated physical activity and nutrition programs for students. Through these programs, it is expected that students will develop an appreciation for lifelong healthy nutrition and physical education habits, and make progress toward meeting their state standards for physical education.

 

Healthy Community Coalition’s Executive Director Jennifer McCormack said, “This new funding will allow the community and schools to work together to create a gold standard program of physical activity opportunities and nutrition education at nine area elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.”

 

Local programming for youth will include increased afterschool and summer programs that encourage lifelong physical activities and promote optimum health for area youth. Programming will include collaboration among existing projects such as 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go to enhance learning opportunities.

 

“It is the mission of FCHN to work cooperatively with others in the community to achieve the highest level of health and wellness possible,” said Arsenault. “This grant will demonstrate the ability of HCC and schools taking action together to teach approximately 3,000 students the importance of developing healthy lifestyles, which are also key components toward improving student engagement and achievement. School nutrition and physical activity related policies will also be reviewed and revised to address the highest standards possible for students.”

 

About Healthy Community Coalition

Healthy Community Coalition, founded in 1989, is one of the oldest health coalitions in the country. Its mission is to measurably improve the wellbeing of all people in Greater Franklin County and neighboring towns using a coordinated public health approach of education, promotion, and outreach. With its qualified staff of public health professionals, Healthy Community Coalition offers health screenings, health information, programs and events to support healthy lifestyles that prevent disease and improve quality of life.  Its community outreach efforts appear in every town and corner of the region. For more information, visit www.fchn.org/hcc.