For three decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has promoted a youth-centered approach to building healthy and supportive school environments where students can thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. Through its Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH), CDC works with education and public health organizations to implement evidence-based strategies that support adolescents’ growth and development and set them on a path to better health and future success. Research shows that well-designed and effectively implemented school health policies and programs can improve students’ health-related behaviors and outcomes, as well as their educational outcomes. CDC’s long- term investment in partnerships with education agencies has led to better school health policies at the state and local levels. These policies can ultimately teach students healthy behaviors and skills that help them prevent HIV, STD, and pregnancy; empower them to make informed decisions that protect their health; and help them do well academically. DASH-Health-Education-Policy-Success-2018.pdf

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection