Following are the key issues on which NAHEC is focused. If these issues are important to you, we encourage you to contact your legislators and encourage action.

CDC-DASH

Increasing rates of obesity, sexually transmitted disease and substance abuse, among  others, are life-threatening behaviors facing America’s youth. To reduce these risk factors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s School Health Program partners with schools, families and communities to engage youth through the school system. We support FY 2009 appropriations of $33.6 million for CDC’s School Health Programs.

Friends of School Health

NAHEC is an active member of the Friends of School Health, a coalition of 60 national health and education agencies dedicated to promoting school health programs and their value to the children and youth of America.

Wellness Policy provision in the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 2004

We support the Wellness Policy provision of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 2004.  However, we strongly urge that guidance and supportive resources developed by federal and state agencies as well as education and health organizations acknowledge nutrition education as part of the core content for comprehensive health education.  Furthermore, comprehensive health education occurs within the context of coordinated school health, which provides additional opportunities for formal and informal nutrition education.

We have signed our support for this statement with AAHE, ASHA, SOPHE and SSDHPER.

Positive Behavior for Effective Schools Act H.R. 3407

Positive Behavior for Effective Schools Act  S. 2111

Reducing Barriers to Learning Act of 2007  H. R. 3419

Introduction of Public Health Resolution H.R. 1381