Implementation of a coordinated school health program in a rural, low-income community.
BACKGROUND
Coordinated school health programs (CSHPs) bring together educational and community resources in the school environment. This method is particularly important in rural areas like Kansas, where resources and trained health professionals are in short supply. Rural Stafford County, Kansas, struggles with health professional shortages and a low-income, high-need population.


METHODS
In 2001, Stafford County's Unified School District 349 began a multiyear CSHP development process, which required adaptations for implementation in a rural area. First, a CSHP team was formed of community and administrative stakeholders as well as school system representatives. Next, the CSHP team assessed school district demographics so the program framework could be targeted to health needs. During a yearlong planning phase, the CSHP team determined 4 priority areas for program development, as limited staff and funds precluded developing programs in all 8 traditional CSHP areas. Program activities were tailored to the population demographics and available resources.


RESULTS
Program outcomes were supported by School Health Index (SHI) data. Of the 8 CSHP focus areas, the SHI found high scores in 3 of the Stafford CSHP's priority areas: Health Services; Psychological, Counseling, and Social Services; and Physical Education. The fourth Stafford CSHP priority area, Nutrition Services, scored similarly to the less prioritized areas.


CONCLUSIONS
The process by which the Stafford school district modified and implemented CSHP methods can serve as a model for CSHPs in other rural, high-need areas.
Cornwell
Lisa
L
School Health Coordinator, USD 349 Stafford Schools, 418 East Broadway, Stafford, KS 67578, USA. lcornwell@stafford349.com
Hawley
Suzanne R
SR
St Romain
Theresa
T
D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D003153:Community Health Services; D003710:Demography; D006285:Health Planning; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007615:Kansas; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D011203:Poverty; D016730:Program Development; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012572:School Health Services; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors