This application for CDC-RFA-DP-23-002 proposes to utilize a strategic and longstanding partnership between the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE), and the Hawai‘i State Department of Health (HIDOH) to collaboratively leverage resources and expertise across multiple sectors to comprehensively serve students statewide that are disproportionately affected by health disparities, and economic disadvantage. Utilizing a Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) approach, we will seek to impact school-based policies, systems, and environments around physical activity, nutrition, and chronic disease with the overarching goal of improving and maintaining the overall health and academic achievement of youth. This will be accomplished through a statewide approach to professional development (PD) and technical assistance (TA), as well as increasing sustainable practices and policies around the target areas. In addition, we will support up to 15 schools in the HIDOE, including OST programs, to improve chronic disease management among students and achieve overall program outcome. There are five expected outcomes (as stated in the NOFO) that we anticipate achieving: (1) increase in the numbers of schools with an action plan based on the School Health Index (SHI) and the Hawai‘i Safety and Wellness Survey (SAWS); 2) increased implementation of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP); (3) increased school nutrition and food security policies and practices; (4) increased school-based health services that support students with chronic health conditions; and (5) increased physical activity, healthy dietary behaviors, and self-management of chronic health conditions among students. Outcomes will be achieved through several action steps associated with each of the required activities in order to ensure improved health and well-being of school-age youth in underserved and disproportionately a
ffected communities of Hawai‘i. This work is much needed in the state of Hawai‘i. We are unique from other states in our geography and cultural make-up; however, the need to promote equity and improve the health, academic achievement, and well-being of students is a challenge we share with many other states. With the appropriate support and resources, we are well positioned to enact meaningful change that will positively impact the keiki (children) of Hawai‘i.
