Launched in the fall of 2017, a pilot program to provide minigrants to 25 projects in 25 schools in Prince George’s County reached 1,900 teachers and staff. These grants increased access to healthy foods and beverages and provided ways for staff to incorporate physical activity into their day. Many of these grant-funded projects will also support mental and emotional wellness by increasing access to stress management and relaxation tools.
Kaiser Permanente has long recognized the key role schools play in our mission to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. Our ongoing Thriving Schools program includes many programs to support student wellness, but we go further to support the teachers and staff as well.
Last fall, a partnership between several Kaiser Permanente departments launched a new grants program through Thriving Schools. This pilot program was launched in partnership with Prince George’s County Public Schools to provide resources to make healthy choices easier for busy school staff. Not only is the health of these adults important, we know that healthy teachers and staff are great role models for the students, helping to ensure the next generation is healthy too.
In 2017, Kaiser Permanente welcomed Prince George’s County Public Schools back to the KPMAS family for the first time in more than 20 years. Teachers and school employees once again have access to our award-winning, integrated care model, which combines health care and health coverage in one convenient package.
Teachers and school employees are very important to Kaiser Permanente. We work to create a culture of health in local schools where teachers, students, staff and parents can benefit. Kaiser Permanente supports a range of initiatives, including wellness programs and changes to school-wide policies.
The schools that received funds through the pilot program are:
- Arrowhead Elementary
- Barnaby Manor Elementary
- Beacon Heights Elementary
- Beltsville Academy
- Benjamin Foulois Creative and Performing Arts K-8
- Benjamin Tasker Middle
- Buck Lodge Middle
- Calverton Elementary
- Carole Highlands Elementary
- Glenridge Elementary
- James Madison Middle
- John H. Bayne Elementary
- Lamont Elementary
- Martin Luther King Jr. Middle
- Maya Angelou French Immersion
- Northwestern High
- Oaklands Elementary
- Ridgecrest Elementary
- Rockledge Elementary
- Suitland Elementary
- Thomas G. Pullen K-8 Creative and Performing Arts School
- Valley View Elementary
- Waldon Woods Elementary
- William W. Hall Academy
- Woodmore Elementary
This pilot was so successful that it will continue in the 2018-2019 school year. To read about some of the great projects completed, please click here.
