Schools, agencies team up for health

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

Representatives of the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board (AVRSB) and Annapolis Valley Health (AVH) gathered January 22 to formalize a relationship that is already yielding healthy results for area students and their families.

The memorandum of understanding signed by the leaders of AVH and the AVRSB, and their respective CEO and superintendent, will guide future collaboration and co-operation. The document, which outlines ways to support the health and well-being of children and youth, will strengthen the relationship that already exists between the two organizations.

Recognizing “student learning is linked to student health,” AVRSB superintendent Dr. Norm Dray noted “these principles of co-operation and understanding will set the stage for further improvements for our young people.

“Looking after children is something we do co-operatively, and people in the Valley know that we are in this together.”

AVH board chairman Dave Logie echoed Dray’s comments, adding the partnership supports the fact “children have the right and priviledge to live under healthy conditions,” and will assist in the on-going transition to a population-health approach to healthcare.

Since the two groups began working together, a number of programs, services and initiatives have been put in place, including curriculum support for teachers and immunization of students to prevent communicable diseases. The Health Promoting Schools program, which promotes healthy eating and physical activity, has redefined acceptable meal and snack options in schools and increased activity. Intervention programs supporting students with behavioural or emotional difficulties are now offered, as are programs to address mental health and addictions.

Jim Morton, district manager for AVH Mental Health and Addiction Services, said counselors now spend a part of each day in junior and senior high schools in Kings and Annapolis counties. Between 200 and 300 students have accessed help for alcohol, drug and gambling issues.

“Access to this type of service is especially critical in rural areas where transportation can be a factor,” added Morton. Students are often anxious about bringing these issues up with their parents - especially if there are problems at home.

AVH director of public affairs Jan MacKinnon said more projects, like youth centres, “are coming down the line.”

Commending efforts made so far to improve student health and learning, AVH president and CEO Janet Knox noted the importance of continuing to build the partnership.

“How well we work with other will affect how well we change our communities,” concluded Knox.