Helping Educate Children to Make Wise Food Choices
In 2007, Trinity Regional Medical Center identified youth obesity as a key focus area for improving the health status of our community. Based on state and local data, and the high incidence of childhood obesity and related health problems, Trinity recognized the need for programs available to Fort Dodge youth to help them learn the fundamental skills needed to live a healthy lifestyle.
In partnership with the Fort Dodge Community School District and St. Edmond Catholic School System, THRIVE was created as a way to reach youth at school - a familiar learning environment. THRIVE was developed based on information and research from the following organizations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and National Institute for Health (NIH), as well as other highly respected organizations and associations focused on youth obesity, wellness and chronic disease prevention. Trinity's THRIVE program utilizes the research-based model for a Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) developed and advanced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
THRIVE is funded by a grant from The Wellmark Foundation and Trinity Regional Medical Center.
Mission
To educate, support and empower students to enhance their health and well-being through responsible lifestyle choices.
Goal
To influence students' eating and physical activity behavior.
This is done by increasing students' knowledge about how lifestyle choices impact their current and future health. Building knowledge and skills helps students make healthy eating and physical activity choices which in turn decreases students' chances of obtaining a chronic disease.