Environmental Health - Using a Community-School Approach to Prevent Environmental Health Risks

Environmental Health
Using A Community-School Approach to Prevent Environmental Health Risks

Schools can work with parents and other agencies to prevent environmental health risks. The elements of this comprehensive approach have been described here under the following five categories:

coordinated programs
instructional strategies
social support
physical environment and resources
preventive and treatment services

Several topics are listed under each of the categories. Explanatory articles, summaries and reports, research evidence, Canadian and other local examples, as well as online planning, educational and policy development resources are identified for each topic.

Coordinated Programs	Whole School Program School-Community Programs Community-Wide Programs that include Schools
Instructional Programs	Personal/Social Development Programs/Health Education family studies/home economics programs and curricula health education programs and curricula Cross-Curricular Programs Specific Populations students with asthma students with allergies Specific Issues conservation/regulations food safety sun safety Teacher Education and Inservice preservice training inservice training School Administrator Training
Social Support	school board policies and procedures public health policies and procedures student/youth engagement and leadership activities Peer Helper Programs Parent Education and Involvement community awareness and development local media support
Support Services	information and referral services role of public health inspector role of public health role of funded volunteer organizations role of school guidance counselor school environment testing services
Physical and Environmental Resources	clean water air quality paints, adhesives portable classrooms waste disposal maintenance of grounds/facilities/buildings
Preventive and Treatment Services