K-12 student wellness and health equity

Students with untreated physical or mental health conditions often struggle academically and are more likely to be absent from school than their healthier peers. Many Ohio children experience serious health issues, including depression, asthma, tooth decay and trouble accessing care. Research has shown that schools can positively impact academic success and educational attainment through student wellness and health improvement efforts, such as school-based health care, drug and violence prevention and social-emotional learning programs.

K-12 student wellness can improve educational attainment and close troubling gaps in outcomes for Ohio children who are at the greatest risk for experiencing poor health. This includes closing gaps in:

• Absenteeism
• High school graduation
• Care coordination
• Suicide