MASH MISSION (Revised Jan 2007)

The Mississippi Alliance for School Health, Inc.  (MASH) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) civic, charitable and educational association dedicated to improving the health of Mississippi's children through the promotion of coordinated school health.

MASH GOALS (Revised Jan 2007)

1. Training, Education and Awareness

• Conduct regular meetings of MASH Board and three regional membership meetings with emphasis on education, training and advocacy.
• Coordinate an annual statewide conference with emphasis on education, training and advocacy.
• Serve as a clearinghouse for information and sources of assistance.

2.  Advocacy

• Establish a statewide advocacy network.
• Support state testing for health and physical education.
• Support school health policy change through legislation and/or agency policy.
• Conduct advocacy traning for MASH.
• Advocate for changes in educational leadership preparation in universities to include school health.

Selected Components of a Coordinated School Health Program

• Healthy School Environment – Clean, Safe, and Supportive Environment in Schools, Community, and Home
• Health Education – Age Appropriate Curriculum from Pre-K to 12
• Nutrition Services – Access to Healthy, Nutritious, and Appealing Meals and Teach Students to Choose the Same
• Physical Education – Emphasizing Fitness as a Life-Long Practice
• Health Services – Healthcare: Prevention, Intervention, and Referral
• Counseling and Psychological Services – Services for Emotional Well-Being
• Health Promotion for Staff – Creating Positive Role Models, Reducing Absenteeism and Insurance Costs
• Parent and Community Involvement – Integrated Approach for Enhancing Student health and Well-Being

 Benefits of Coordinated School Health

• Develops attitudes, knowledge, and skills to lead healthy, productive lives
• Satisfies basic needs of youth
• Prepares youth to learn
• Promotes positive healthy behaviors in youth
• Is a cost effective way to promote health in children

 When children have health problems, everyone pays the price.  When those problems are alleviated or prevented, everyone benefits.  That is why individuals, families, schools and communities should become partners in children’s health.