Healthy Kids Press Contact
Ashley Carr, Chief Marketing Officer,
(850) 701-6160, [email protected].

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s Coordinated School Health Partnership (CSHP) along with Florida Action for Healthy Kids, Florida Healthy Kids Corporation and Florida Association of District School Superintendents – awarded 19 recipients the 2017-2019 Florida Healthy School District Award. The award recognizes districts committed to meeting the health needs of students and staff by maximizing district resources and removing barriers to learning. The newly awarded districts join the 2016 recognized districts for a total of 45 Florida Healthy School Districts out of 67 in the state.

The 2017-2019 Florida Healthy School District awardees are:

• Gold: Alachua, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas,
• Silver: Clay, DeSoto, Gadsden, Hamilton, Okaloosa, Putnam, St. Johns,
• Bronze: Columbia, Dixie, Jackson, Marion,

2016-2018 Florida Healthy School District Award-Winners:

• Gold: Baker, Duval, Leon, Nassau, Palm Beach, Santa Rosa
• Silver: Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Escambia, Indian River, Monroe, Okeechobee, Pasco, Polk, St. Lucie, Volusia
• Bronze: Bay, Bradford, Franklin, Lake, Madison, Manatee, Martin, Seminole, Sumter, Union

The Florida Healthy School District Awards are based on criteria from the Florida Healthy School District Self-Assessment Tool, which was developed by the Florida CSHP to acknowledge and commend the hard work and success of school districts related to physical, mental and social health of students and staff. Through implementation of the Coordinated School Health approach, these districts demonstrated a high level of commitment toward meeting the health needs of students and staff by maximizing district resources and removing barriers to learning.

“The Florida Healthy School District recognition program empowers districts to make enhancements that positively impact their schools and communities and inspires them to raise their own bar each year,” said Bill Montford, Florida Senator and CEO of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. “I am proud to represent a state that has such strong participation in this successful and collaborative program.”

The self-assessment tool is based on sustainable infrastructure, policy, programs and practices identified from national and state guidelines, best practices and Florida statutes. It was written by school experts, evaluated, piloted and field-tested for three years before being released in 2009.

“These school districts are sending a powerful message to their staff, students and parents—that health is an integral part of every aspect of life, including education,” said Rebecca Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation. “These district efforts are setting positive examples for kids so they are encouraged to engage in healthy behaviors and lifestyles as part of their daily routine.”

The Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership, Florida Action for Healthy Kids, Florida Association of District School Superintendents and Florida Healthy Kids Corporation together award these designations for a two-year period. Districts are encouraged to engage in the self-assessment process every other year and strive to reach the Gold level. The application opens each January and closes April 15.

“These districts embody the coordination, determination and cognizance it takes to prioritize physical, emotional and social health as a part of overall education,” said Melodie Griffin, MHA, State Coordinator for Florida Action for Healthy Kids. “This recognition program reminds districts that their efforts are valued and used as exemplary models for how health-conscious enhancements can be implemented in schools.”

For more information about Florida Healthy School Districts and a complete list of current awarded districts, visit healthydistrict.com.

About Coordinated School Health Partnership (CSHP)
Florida's Coordinated School Health Partnership (CSHP) is a grassroots, volunteer organization whose mission is to create Health literate and health practicing students and staff in all Florida schools. Members represent professional associations, foundations, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, insurers, health and education. The partnership is committed to working together to improve the health of children, adolescents, and staff in Florida schools. Goals focus on advocacy, policy, partnership, access to health care for all children and educating stakeholders about school health and wellness issues.

About Florida Action for Healthy Kids
Florida Action for Healthy Kids® fights childhood obesity, undernourishment and physical inactivity by helping schools become healthier places so kids can live healthier lives. The organization partners with a legion of dedicated volunteers to create healthful school changes. Supported by more than 75 organizations, corporations and government agencies, Florida Action for Healthy Kids® gives kids the keys to health and academic success with fun physical activity and lessons that make it possible for them to eat nutritiously and play actively every day.

About Florida Healthy Kids Corporation
The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation is a nonprofit, public-private partnership created by the Florida Legislature to expand access to comprehensive, affordable child-centered health insurance. The Corporation administers Florida Healthy Kids (healthykids.org), a health and dental insurance program for Florida children from 5 through the end of age 18. The Corporation also coordinates marketing, customer services and other administrative services for Florida KidCare. This year, the Corporation is celebrating 25 years of insuring Florida’s children.

About Florida Association of District School Superintendents
Florida Association of District School Superintendents assists and supports superintendents in providing leadership to ensure that every student in Florida acquires the skills, knowledge and attitude to be contributing members of our democratic society through leadership development programs focused on student achievement, building relationships with business and governmental leaders, and communication and networking services.