Community partners may offer program funding, staff time, expertise, program planning and evaluation services. Schools can provide community agencies access and vital links to students and their families without interfering with school operations. Input from school personnel is critical when identifying, planning and implementing programs and services. Together, when schools, public health, and other community agencies build strong working partnerships then students, staff and the community all benefits. Links to both schools and local contacts are provided here because the first step in building a strong partnership is to know who your partners might be.
Many differences exist between how schools and community organizations work.
Coordinated School Health has resources that can help build successful partnerships to promote health and learning. The Director of a local city or county health department will provide information on available health related services. Health department staff may be able to provide health education, health services, support services, assessment, and referral information. Involvement with the health department during their community assessment and program planning process can strengthen relationships and improve effectiveness when addressing health concerns of students. The health educator contact person may provide health education services, guest speakers, health promotion activities, health fairs, blood pressure screening, health information, and expertise in many specific health related topics.