Impact of a school health coordinator intervention on health-related school policies and student behavior.

Background: Health-related, school-based interventions may serve to prevent disease and improve academic performance. The Healthy Maine Partnerships (HMP) initiative funded local school health coordinators (SHCs) as a part of Maine's Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) beginning in January 2001. SHCs established school health leadership teams and implemented annual work plans to address health risk behaviors.

Healthy Maine Partnerships: policy and environmental changes.

Background: Tobacco settlement funds were used to establish the Healthy Maine Partnerships (HMPs) to reduce tobacco use, increase physical activity, and improve nutrition through local policy and environmental change.

Context: The HMP model is a progressive approach to public health. It provides for coordinated efforts between state and local partners for health promotion and disease prevention.