Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County congratulates the Santa Rosa County School District on their Gold Level recognition as a Florida Healthy School District. This recognition, developed by the Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership, recognizes the hard work and success of school districts related to physical, mental and social health of students and staff. 

“This is the second Gold Award for the Santa Rosa County School District,” said Sandra L. Park-O’Hara, ARNP, administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County.  “We congratulate them on their achievement.  The District supports programs such as 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go and Let’s Move to teach students the importance of making healthy choices.  Over time, the choices become habits and habits developed in childhood are carried over into adulthood and have a positive, lasting impact on health and quality of life.”  

The Florida Healthy District recognition is based on the successful submission of the Florida Healthy District Self-Assessment and lasts for a period of two years, after which districts will need to reapply for recognition. The Self-Assessment is divided and scored based on the following categories: district infrastructure; physical education; health services; and counseling, psychological and social services.

Since 2009, the Coordinated School Health Partnership, in cooperation with Florida Action for Healthy Kids, Florida Association of School District Superintendents and Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, has recognized 47 districts for establishing a culture and climate that embraces the Coordinated School Health approach to reduce and eliminate barriers to learning and support academic achievement.

The Coordinated School Health Partnership 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, and health and education groups. The partnership is committed to working together to improve the health of children, adolescents and staff in Florida schools.

For more information and a complete list of recognized healthy districts, visit http://www.healthydistrict.com.