Standard of Learning

9.5 The student will evaluate the benefits of collaboration in relation to community health and wellness initiatives. Key concepts/skills include:

1. the impact of developing positive relationships among health, wellness, and safety professionals for promotion of healthy communities;
2. promotion of community projects;
3. development of school and community health programs for citizens of all ages;
4. the need for community services;
5. the awareness of health-related social issues such as organ donation, homelessness, underage drinking, and substance abuse.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will analyze the positive impact of collaborative relationships among health professionals for promotion of healthy communities; the importance of community service; the development of school and community health programs for citizens of all ages; and an awareness of health-related social issues such as organ donation, homelessness, underage drinking, and substance abuse.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• identify collaborative relationships among health professionals. (promoting and protecting public health requires coordinated efforts of state and federal government agencies and private organizations)
• identify health professionals, agencies, and organizations that impact community health.
• define health advocacy. (taking responsibility for improving personal, family, and community health)
• identify community projects that promote health for children, adolescents, young adults, and older populations.
• identify the benefits of community service:
  • promotes positive feelings;
  • promotes feelings of confidence;
  • helps with coping with stress;
  • promotes satisfying personal relationships; and
  • provides potential career opportunities.
• identify examples of community projects that address health-related social issues.
• describe examples of organizations/agencies that address health-related social issues.

Sample Lessons

Hydroville Challenge
Grades 9-12
Four environmental health scenarios based on actual occurrences and real data.
"Pesticide Spill Scenario"
"Mysterious Illness Outbreak"
"Indoor Air Quality"
"Water Quality"
Sponsor: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Contact: http://www.hydroville.org

Tox RAP
Grades K-9
Students understand basic environmental health sciences concepts and make informed decisions to reduce their health risks associated with potential environmental pollutants. Lessons use a risk assessment framework.
'The Case of the Green Feathers' (air pollution) Grade 3
'What is Wrong with the Johnson Family?' (investigate unexplained health problems) Grades 3-6
'Mystery Illness Strikes the Sanchez Household' (simulated health hazard) Grades 6-9
Sponsor: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Contact: http://www.eohsi.rutgers.edu/rc/toxrap/index.htm

Additional Instructional Resources

• Center for Disease Control - http://www.cdc.gov
• National Service Learning Clearinghouse - http://www.servicelearning.org
• Virginia Department of Social Services - http://www.dss.state.va.us
• Virginia Department of Health - http://www.vdh.state.va.us
• World Health – http://www.pbs.org/teachersource (health & fitness 9-12)

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• identify a community health problem or need and plan a community health-promotion project.
• analyze health-related social issues such as organ donation, homelessness, underage drinking, and substance abuse.
• volunteer to work on a community health project.

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