Connected for Movement: University, Community, and School Partnerships to Disrupt Inequity in Physical Activity and Health

Title: Connected for Movement: University, Community, and School Partnerships to Disrupt Inequity in Physical Activity and Health Abstract: Despite advances in disease treatment, our physical and mental health are worse than previous generations. This alarming trend continues among children in the United States today, where 20% of children are obese, 10% of youth have diagnosed ADHD, 9% have diagnosed anxiety, and 20% of youth aged 12 – 17 years have experienced a major depressive episode. The risks associated with these multiple and interacting negative health outcomes can be mitigated through physical activity participation. However, less than 1 in 4 youth are achieving the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Rates of physical inactivity, and thus disease burden, are higher for girls, non-White, and low-income youth. Thus, we are proposing an innovative program model, Connected for Movement, for disrupting inequities in health by linking University resources, health-promoting community professionals and organizations, and school partners in a strategic model with the goal of improving physical activity and the associated mental and physical health benefits for girls. Our Connected for Movement program identifies the health needs and preferences of school partners and then matches community resources to meet these goals through school-based programming for girls and their families. This innovative model builds on our existing Girls Can! Program that was funded by the Women’s Sports Foundation. This new model is scalable and sustainable on few resources once established. The Connected for Movement program supports partnerships by disseminating evidence-informed educational content, connecting community organizations with school partners, facilitating program delivery, providing Movement Mentor volunteers, and evaluating program impact. Thus, our involvement will ensure that high-quality health programming reaches girls where they are while reducing the burden associated with forming partnerships for our community and school partners. This innovative model for promoting physical activity and health in schools is guided by the Centers for Disease Control’s Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework. This framework focuses on creating environments where students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged to improve learning and health. Supporting this work will bring together active female role models, Movement Mentors, from the university and community to engage in multigenerational programming with girls to impact physical activity and health. Successful completion of this project will provide evidence for regional, state, and national implementation efforts.