Laura Davis updates Cleveland City Schools on Coordinated School Health initiatives

The Cleveland City Schools Board Meeting held on May 5, 2025, focused on a comprehensive update regarding the district's Coordinated School Health initiatives. Dr. Elliott introduced Laura Davis, who provided insights into the progress and activities of the program, emphasizing the importance of supporting students' mental, physical, and social-emotional health to enhance academic success.

Davis outlined the eight components of the Coordinated School Health program, which include health education, physical education, health services, nutrition, counseling, a healthy school environment, staff wellness, and family and community engagement. She highlighted collaborative efforts with various teams within the district to address these components effectively.

Key highlights from the health education segment included the introduction of programs such as Healthy Horizons and partnerships with organizations like Breathe for Change to incorporate yoga into schools. A notable moment this year was a successful anti-vaping initiative at Cleveland High School, where students voluntarily turned in their vapes, demonstrating a significant shift in peer support and awareness.

In physical education, the district launched "TeamUp Tuesdays," where health educators collaborated with physical education teachers to enhance student engagement. Davis also mentioned the successful organization of cross-country and track meets, which promote physical activity among students.

The health services component reported over 27,000 visits to school clinics this year, with a significant number of those visits related to illness and injury. The district has also expanded telemedicine services, completing over 100 appointments to improve healthcare access for students.

Davis discussed the importance of maintaining a healthy school environment, mentioning the district's certification in Project ADAM, which ensures the readiness of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in schools. The district has also introduced Narcan for emergency situations and restocked epinephrine supplies.

The meeting also addressed staff wellness, with a survey revealing concerns about physical health among staff members. In response, the district has developed an action plan to enhance communication and provide resources for physical and mental health support.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Cleveland City Schools' commitment to fostering a holistic approach to student health and wellness, with ongoing initiatives aimed at improving both student and staff well-being. The board plans to continue supporting these efforts as they evolve.