Community Health - Schools and Early Childhood Archives - Kaiser Permanente Institute for Health Policy

The Future of Healthy Schools: Supportive Funding, Systems Change, and Community Collaboration

August 30, 2021
Community Health, Community Health - Schools and Early Childhood

Schools systems have the power to improve the health of a whole community, and COVID-19 shed light on the critical intersection between health and education. This virtual event will explore how health and education professionals can collaboratively and sustainably build healthy schools. Attendees will learn about school funding, community engagement strategies, and developing a long-term plan to prioritize and embed health in schools.

COVID-19’s new normal for schools means many elements of school health policy may be overlooked

In response to growing concerns about children’s mental and physical health, state policymakers have enacted laws to require schools to take an active role in supporting their students’ wellbeing – from requiring a minimum amount of time dedicated to physical…

The important role of policy in addressing childhood trauma during COVID-19 and beyond

May 22, 2020
Renee Gross, JD
Issue Areas, Mental Health and Wellness, Publications
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Over the past few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused everyone to grapple with uncertainty and manage new stressors at home, at work, and in our communities. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll indicated that 45% of Americans report that…

A multi-ethnic group of elementary age students are playing tag at the park during recess. They are happily chasing each other through the grass on a sunny day.

Building healthier school environments for students and employees

January 8, 2020
Annie Reed, DrPH
Community Health, Mental Health and Wellness, Publications
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Schools are arguably one the most effective places to address population health, including the physical and mental health needs of students, teachers, and school staff. The school environment is an important area of focus, and one that can hold the…

Pediatricians have an important role to play in reducing chronic absenteeism

Forward by Cecilia Oregón Echeverría, Executive Director, Institute for Health Policy Schools are great places to instill lifelong healthy behaviors in young people. I know this firsthand, not just as a parent but as someone who worked in the school…

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Addressing Trauma in School-Aged Children

Nearly half of U.S. children have had at least one adverse childhood experience (or ACE), which can have lasting impacts on their physical and mental health even into adulthood. This event brought together leaders from across sectors to discuss innovative ways to prevent and address trauma in children in school, community, and clinical settings.