From Danville Regional Health System
Better Health Magazine Archives

Since 1995, Danville Regional Health System has been teaming up with local schools to address health issues facing students through a program called Partners in Education. In the fall of 2000, a new partnership was forged with Stony Mill Elementary School in western Pittsylvania County.

"We met with the principal,, school nurse, guidance counselors and others to discuss issues of concern, and we are planning to implement programs and events over the next two years," said Kay Crane, Community and Media Relations Coordinator for Danville Regional Health System and Coordinator for Partners in Education.

One major issue the program will address is obesity. "Many children are at risk for obesity, which can lead to many health problems later on in life," said Crane. "We'll teach them how to lead healthier lifestyles through their food choices and exercise. We're not giving them a diet - we're just helping them learn how to choose healthy foods so that good nutrition becomes second nature."

The program will also focus on parenting skills, a topic requested by the parents of students at Stony Mill. "Being a parent is a tough job, and many of the students' parents have expressed a desire for help tackling some of the toughest issues," said Crane. Parents have been surveyed for topics of interest and a parenting seminar is planned, which will include a speaker and sessions with an expert on each age group.

"The whole goal of the partnership is that by making a difference in the health of our children, we can help the community become healthier over time," said Crane. "It's part of Danville Regional Health System's commitment to being a leader and a health resource in the community."