KU School of Nursing public health nursing master's student receives grant

Dec 4, 2008

Kari Hess, RN, BSN, University of Kansas School of Nursing public health nursing master's student, has been awarded a grant from the Kansas Coordinated School Health project. The activities include implementing interventions and strategies that provide support and reinforcement for positive health behaviors in school-aged children within the Unified School District 253, Emporia, Kan.

The grant also includes tobacco prevention programs, nutritional services and nutritional education, physical education and staff wellness. The Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools will focus on enhancing the health of the school by developing tobacco-free policies, providing education on tobacco use and involving families and the community in tobacco-free initiatives.

The educational programs will be delivered through school presentations, newsletter entries, local newspaper and radio announcements in collaboration with the Clean Air Emporia Committee, and collaboration with the Lyon County Health Department and Kansas Department of Health and Environment in promoting the Kansas Tobacco Quitline.

“I selected this grant in hopes that it would continue with the message that Clean Air Emporia is trying to provide to our community,” Hess said.

The Kansas Coordinated School Health project is committed to the implementation of quality, coordinated school health programming that promotes the positive development of children and youth, works to eliminate barriers to learning and seeks to ensure opportunities for all students to become healthy and productive citizens. The program is focused on the use of interventions and strategies that provide support and reinforcement for positive health behaviors. During her clinical practicum experience, Hess worked with the Clean Air Emporia Committee to promote the proposal of a comprehensive Clean Air ordinance for the city.

Hess was awarded a first tier grant, which funds schools and school districts to focus on increasing physical activity, improving nutrition and decreasing tobacco use. KCSH's goal is to promote school health programs that improve health behaviors and emphasize the connection between recommended health practices, academic achievements and lifelong healthy behaviors.