Tools for Healthy Schools: A Guide to School Health Improvement Programs was developed to provide Macomb County schools with an introduction to school-based health promotion programs that are free or low in cost, easy to implement, and proven to be successful in changing behaviors and improving the school health environment. This guide allows schools to choose a program that works best for their needs, whether that be assessing the school health environment, assembling a school health team, and/or promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Each of the programs can be implemented in any public, charter, or private school, and at any grade (K-12). This guide provides a general overview of three programs that use evidence-based strategies to assist schools in promoting healthy eating and physical activity to support students in leading healthier lives.

Tools for Healthy Schools includes three programs: Healthy School Action Tools, Fuel Up to Play 60, and Smarter Lunchrooms Movement.

Although there are various school health programs, the three highlighted in this guide have extensive support locally, at the state level, and are acclaimed for how simple they are to implement. In fact, your school may already be engaging in these activities and may not realize that your school could be eligible for grant funding, free equipment, or print materials simply by checking off steps online or submitting a scorecard. 

Research shows that teaching students healthy habits early on leads to better health outcomes later in life. By assessing the school health environment, assembling school health teams, and actively promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors, we can provide students with the tools to succeed. For assistance or questions about this guide, contact information and resources can be found in the guide on page 39-40.

Access to Services Workgroup

Chronic Disease and Healthy Lifestyle Workgroup

School Health Resources Contact Page in the Guide

Tools for Healthy Schools includes can be found on the Community Health Assessment Resources page. Guides were printed and distributed to interested schools by the Macomb County Health Department. Any school who is interested in receiving a printed version of the guide can contact the Health Department at healthplanning@macombgov.org to receive a copy. The Health Department also aims to provide support for the implementation of the three programs in the guide. There are various opportunities for funding and other resources to implement these programs in Macomb County that are outlined in the guide.