Arizona Public Health Association

School Health Section

Purpose Statement

The AzPHA School Health Section consists of over 35 AzPHA members passionate about improving the health and academic outcomes of youth in Arizona. We believe a healthy school environment, where health related activities and policies are coordinated by school and community leaders, is the best way to achieve these outcomes. The AzPHA School Health Section also advocates for state and local policies that support safe, healthy youth and families in our schools and communities.

Our members are leaders representing diverse areas of school health, including school nurses, dentists, state and local health department representatives, researchers, and health care practitioners.

The School Health Section is always interested in collaborating with all AzPHA members and Sections. This year the School Health Section is working with the Oral Health Section to organize a special panel discussion on primary care in schools and the role of School Based Health Centers (SBHCs). For more information see the AzPHA Fall Conference website.

Goals for 2010

To revitalize/reactivate the School Health Section.
Create synergy with organizations advocating for youth & school health such as the Arizona Coordinated School Health Program, the Arizona Public Health Association, and the Arizona School Based Health Care Council.
Develop the School Health Section website.

Past Accomplishments

In 2005, the School Health Section wrote a Resolution in support of Coordinated School Health.

Section Chair

Rebecca Drummond is the Program Director for Family Wellness at the University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

Over the past 10 years, Rebecca has worked on many projects in partnership with local, state, and national organizations. Her work has primarily focused on rural communities in the U.S.-Mexico border region. Current projects include work with the Arizona Department of Education’s Coordinated School Health Program, the Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative in Pima County, and work with Regional Partnership Councils and local family programs supported by the Arizona Early Childhood Health and Development Board (First Things First).

In addition to chairing the AzPHA School Health Section, Rebecca serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona School Based Health Care Council, representing the Southern Region.