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HIPMC: Education Initiatives and Resources
The Education Cloud of the Health Improvement Partnership of Maricopa County focuses on positively affecting health within learning environments or settings, both public and private in Maricopa County. This includes pre-K, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, charter schools, colleges, and universities as well as before- and after-school programs for children that are offered in school or a community-based facility. The Education Cloud also includes organizations, associations, and advocacy groups within the education spectrum.
Health improvement strategies primarily focus on policy, systems and environmental changes within schools and other related entities that support health and wellness. For example, initiatives may include increasing access to safe places to play after school, improving nutritional standards in school food, or expanding free dental sealant programs in high-risk areas.
Please click here to view the 2012-2017 Community Health Improvement Plan which includes objectives related to school health and wellness. To join the Education Cloud, please Contact Us.
HIPMC Partner Champions: Education
Aligned Initiatives
This list contains local organizations or coalitions that are aligned with health priorities in the 2012-2017 Maricopa County Community Health Improvement Plan. Through these initiatives, organizations have demonstrated their commitment to health improvement through policy change, advocacy, health promotion, or interventions in Maricopa County. Specific objectives from partners highlighted below can be found in the CHIP Workplan (updated quarterly).
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a catalyst for children’s health. The Alliance works with schools, companies, community organizations, healthcare professionals and families to transform the conditions and systems that lead to healthier kids.
Their aim is to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and to empower kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits. Founded by the American Heart Association and Clinton Foundation, the Alliance collaborates with and empowers people and leaders to transform the environments that can make a difference in a child’s health: homes, schools, doctor’s offices and communities.
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers — AHA funds cutting-edge research, conducts lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocates to protect public health.
The Arizona Chapter of the AHA is working to assure that schools statewide develop and implement evidence-based medical emergency response plans, which include the following elements: Effective and efficient communication throughout the school campus; coordinated and practiced response plan risk reduction; training and equipment for first aid and CPR; and implementation of a lay rescuer AED program in schools with an established need. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.
The mission of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) is to serve Arizona’s education community, ensuring every child has access to an excellent education. ADE supports over 2000 public schools, including over 1500 district schools and over 500 charter schools.
ADE's Office of Health and Nutrition Services administers federally funded Health and Nutrition Programs through the School Health Programs, National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Summer Food Service, Food Distribution, Child and Adult Care Food Service, After School Care Snack, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Programs. For more information, go to http://www.azed.gov/health-nutrition/.
The Arizona Public Health Association is a membership organization that works to improve the level of health and well-being for all Arizonans through advocacy, education and professional development. AzPHA is a non-profit organization that has been in business since 1928. Its members include health care professionals, state and county health employees, health educators, community advocates, doctors, nurses, students and faculty, and anyone who is interested in public health issues. For more information on how to join, please visit www.azpha.org.
Maricopa Community Colleges, one of the largest community college systems in the country, went smoke- and tobacco-free on July 1, 2012 as part of a District-wide initiative called “Maricopa Breathe Easy.” MCC provides information and support to Maricopa students, faculty members and staff in support of the elimination of tobacco products from all District property.
MCC is committed to creating a work environment that promotes health and wellness including fitness centers, healthy food options, and a general culture that promotes wellness and work/life balance. This effort earned them Gold Level recognition as a Fit-Friendly worksite by the American Heart Association. MCC employs 10,000 individuals. For more information: Michele Hamm, MCCCD Wellness Coordinator,