Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

MERCY HOSPITAL AND UNITY HOSPITAL - Coon Rapids and Fridley, Minnesota
Healthy School Initiative, aka “Power Hour”

What is it?
A collaborative program with both hospitals, which are part of Allina Hospitals and Clinics, and the local school district that combines an after-school exercise program with nutrition instruction. The program started in one elementary school in 2006, and has now expanded to three additional schools. In addition, the program has become more comprehensive, including connections with the students’ classroom, the cafeteria, and their family. Topics have included the food pyramid, portion sizes, and how to interpret information on food nutrition labels. Student and parent surveys at the end of the pilot showed that two-thirds of kids reported eating more fruits, 41 percent said they ate more vegetables, and 67 percent ate fewer desserts. A total of 82 percent of parents said the program motivated their child to be more physically active. The program won the 2006 Community Health Commitment Award from the Minnesota Hospital Association.

Who is it for?
Third, fourth, and fifth grade students at the program sites in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, the largest school district in Minnesota.

Why do they do it?
Mercy and Unity Hospitals and Allina Hospitals and Clinics have identified reducing childhood obesity as a priority public health goal. Obesity in children is now epidemic. The number of children who are overweight has doubled in the last 20 to 30 years; currently one child in five is overweight, and this is true regardless of race and gender. Such a complex health threat based in part on lifestyle – recreation, eating habits, self-esteem, and family systems – requires addressing this problem on many fronts.

Contact: Craig Malm
Director of Community Health Improvement
Mercy and Unity Hospitals
Telephone: 763-236-4343
Email: craig.malm@allina.com