TROY – Troy University’s Healthy Schools Healthy Kids Phase II program is targeting school-aged children in Pike and Bullock counties to foster healthier habits.

The program, which came under the University’s authority in May, is funded by a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and a cooperative funding effort of the University, Troy Housing Authority, Troy City Board of Education, East Central Mental Health, Alabama Cooperative Extension, Pike County School System, Troy Regional Medical Center, Charles Henderson Child Health Center, American Lung Association, Troy Charity League and the City of Troy.

The project focuses on the prevention of school-age obesity by increasing physical activity, and providing education of students and parents on high-risk behaviors as well as health screening and monitoring activities, said Project Director Terry Watkins.

“Healthy Schools Healthy Kids One was a rural health model that was used to identify health and risk behaviors and target interventions to school children and parents,” she said. “This is the second phase of the project that continues to focus on the promotion of healthy life choices in youth ages five to 19 who have unmet healthcare needs.”

Under HSHK II, Bullock County was added to the scope, and the program will be instrumental in assisting both counties in reducing the incidence of school-age obesity with t he aim of decreasing the prevalence of diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure.

Originally associated with the Charles Henderson Child Health Center, HSHK II was administered by ECMH, which in turn asked the University to become the project’s parent organization.

“There are so many benefits for TROY students through this program,” said Judy Brighton-Enfinger, director of sponsored programs. “It’s a good fit within our College of Health and Human Services.”

Among the benefits to the University is the program’s ability to provide a clinical experience for both faculty and students on the undergraduate and graduate levels, she said. The University’s nursing students will aid the delivery of HSHK II services and faculty members will serve on an advisory network.

Watkins said a number of intervention projects will be delivered in the schools, among them Open Airways for Schools, an asthma education program for elementary schools, Asthma Safari, a city-wide asthma education program, Not on Tobacco, a tobacco prevention program and CATCH, a nationally recognized school nutrition model implemented in grades three through five that incorporates cafeteria menu design, classroom curriculum, physical education and family support programs.

Working with Watkins is Debbie Loyd, a registered nurse and outreach coordinator, and Lauren Kilcrease, a registered nurse who is the program’s health nurse. Dr. Bernita Hamilton, director of TROY’s bachelor of science in nursing program, serves as executive director.

Troy University’s Healthy Schools Healthy Kids II program is coordinated by (front left to right) Lauren Kilcrease, health nurse, Dibbie Loyd, outreach coordinator, (back left to right) Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Don Jeffrey, Dr. Bernita Hamilton, executive director and director TROY’s bachelor of science in nursing program, and Terry Watkins, project director. (TROY photo)