• Does MASH membership consist of only organizational and agency members or may individuals join?

MASH has a strong membership made up of both individuals and organizational membership.  Organizations include national, state, and local organizations representing private, non-profit and governmental sectors as well as private businesses.  The membership includes representatives from:

            State Agencies

            Mississippi State Department of Health

            Mississippi Department of Education

            Mississippi State Department of Mental Health

            Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce

            Division of Medicaid

            Division of Public Safety Planning

            Office of the Attorney General

            Members of the Mississippi Legislature

            Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration

            The University Medical Center

            Colleges and Universities

            School-Related Entities and Associations

            School Districts

            Mississippi Association of Educators

            Mississippi Superintendents Association

            Private and Quasi-Private Associations

            American Cancer Society

            American Heart Association

            American Lung Association

            The Bower Foundation

            SUDIA, Inc.

            Mississippi Action for Healthy Kids

            Mississippi Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

            Tobacco Education Resource Center

            Mississippi Primary Health Care Association

            The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi

            Mississippi Diabetes Association

            Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi

            Mississippi Health Advocacy Program

            Mississippi Food Network

            Mississippi Nurses Association

            Mississippi Nurses Foundation

            DREAM, Inc.

            American Academy of Pediatrics

            Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness & Sports

            Mississippi Athletic Trainers Association

            Mississippi Forum on Children and Families

            Clinics and Hospitals

            Private Businesses

            Health-Related Consultants

• Is there a membership fee for joining MASH?

No, MASH does not have a membership fee, but members may contribute financially or through in-kind service on committees and projects.

• Why are health and fitness such issues in K-12 public schools?

Recent research-based studies indicate there is an important link between students’ health and their academic performance. 

• Specifically, what areas of school health does MASH promote?

The CDC’s eight components of a Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) which encompass improvements in:

            Healthy School Environment

            Health Education

            Nutrition Services

            Physical Education

            Health Services

            Counseling & Psychological services

            Health Promotion for Staff

            Parent and Community Involvement

• Specifically, what are some of the ways MASH promotes a CSHP?

Through association with private and governmental partners in hosting an annual Super Conference on School Health, Wellness, Fitness and Safety.

A mini-grant program focused on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in school districts.

Technical assistance to schools in starting Health Advisory Councils.

Partnering with other agencies/organizations for legislative initiatives that will improve school health.

Participation in Safe and Drug Free Schools programs as well as tobacco-free youth initiatives.

• How can I become more involved as a member? 

By active participation on MASH committees, by attending quarterly meetings held in March, June, September, and December of each year, and by attending the Super Conference in June 7 – 9, 2004, at the Biloxi Islandview Hotel.