Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals, the Department of Education, the Medicaid managed care organizations, and representatives of the Whole Child Initiative to work together to develop a plan to implement the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model developed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The resolution highlights the growing recognition of the interconnection between health and education, reinforcing the need for schools to incorporate health-promoting practices. By implementing the WSCC model, Louisiana aims to enhance the overall educational environment for children, encouraging healthier lifestyles and a supportive school climate. This initiative is particularly relevant in addressing both physical and psychological health, calling for involvement from community agencies and family support to create a well-rounded approach to child development within educational settings.
SCR34 urges the Department of Health and Hospitals, the Department of Education, Medicaid managed care organizations, and representatives of the Whole Child Initiative to collaborate on developing a plan for implementing the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This model emphasizes a comprehensive approach to health and education, highlighting the importance of establishing healthy behaviors in childhood, which can lead to more effective outcomes than attempting to change unhealthy behaviors in adulthood. The WSCC model integrates various components that contribute to children's health and well-being, bridging the gap between academic success and health outcomes.
The general sentiment around SCR34 appears to be positive, with an emphasis on the benefits of a holistic approach to health and education. Stakeholders and proponents of the WSCC model view it as a significant step forward, aiming to improve health outcomes for children and ultimately their academic performance. The collaborative nature of the plan development reflects an inclusive strategy that seeks to engage various sectors in supporting child health, making it a community-driven initiative which is likely to garner widespread support among educators and health professionals.
While the resolution itself is largely supportive of integrating health into the educational framework, there may be underlying contention regarding resource allocation and the practicalities of implementing such a comprehensive model. Discussions around the challenges in developing effective collaborations among different organizations and governmental departments likely arise, particularly concerning funding and coordination of services. Ensuring that these recommendations translate into actionable strategies within schools might be contentious, especially if there is a lack of consensus on priorities and implementation.