Community Outreach Programs

Childhood obesity and its related health conditions (diabetes, heart disease and other conditions) are a growing concern nationally and right here in our own community. The Tem-Bel Health & Wellness Coalition is committed to educating children and families about healthy lifestyles and raising awareness of the healthy living resources that are available in the community.

Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federally funded, nationwide program designed to encourage active transportation to and from school. The State of Texas anticipates receiving approximately $40 million in SRTS funding between 2005 and 2009. The funding is mainly directed toward infrastructure projects that encourage children to walk or bike to school. Examples of these projects include the construction of sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and bike racks. The importance of active transportation cannot be underestimated, since its decline has, in part, led to a decrease in overall physical activity in children.

The Tem-Bel Health and Wellness Coalition is currently surveying elementary and middle schools within the City of Temple to help develop a Safe Routes to School Masterplan, a required element of any Safe Routes to School grant. The Tem-Bel Health and Wellness Coalition is working with the City of Temple Parks and Recreation Department to develop the masterplan and eventually submit a grant for infrastructure projects.

A brief version of the Safe Routes to School Visual Survey Notes can be found at the link. The Tem-Bel Health and Wellness Coalition will continue to survey schools within the Temple city limits throughout the Spring.

Community Education

We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition)
The Children's Hospital  at Scott & White has been designated as one of 13 national intensive sites to implement this program from the National Heart Lung & Blood Institute. We Can! is a public education program for parents and youth ages 8 to 13 years focusing on healthy weight. As an intensive site, we will offer educational programs on nutrition and physical activity for parents and for youth in addition to sponsoring community events.
Learn more about We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition)

School Outreach Program
Scott & White Hospital, with the support of the Children’s Miracle Network, has developed the School Outreach Program. This program is designed to support, enhance and expand the network between schools and Scott & White by providing access to educational information for parents and healthcare professionals in the schools. Through healthcare agencies and school partnerships, routine and special health needs of school-aged children can be addressed for improved student achievement and learning outcomes.
Learn more about the School Outreach Program

Contact Information
John Coppin
Coordinator, Community Outreach
Tem-Bel Health & Wellness Coalition
254-724-6589
jcoppin@swmail.sw.org

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