October 1, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: DEBORAH ROBERTS PUGH

(662) 377-3712

Visit www.nmhs.net for an electronic version of this release.

LOCAL SCHOOLS RECEIVE HEALTH EDUCATION GRANTS

TUPELO, Miss.—Three health educators and a school nurse employed by North Mississippi Medical Center have received grants from the Mississippi Alliance for School Health.

Cindy Bivens, a certified health educator at Itawamba Attendance Center, received a $2,000 grant to continue comprehensive weekly health instruction addressing physical, mental and social aspects with emphasis on fitness, nutrition and heart health. Bivens conducts student FitnessGrams at the beginning and end of the school year to chart progress. She provides written information to parents based on classroom instruction and conducts faculty training on nutrition and fitness. The grant also helps provide pedometers to students to challenge them to walk and record daily steps.

Pat Carnathan, a certified health educator at Shannon Elementary School, received $1,000 this year to purchase exercise mats, videos, games, curriculum materials and exercise CDs for children. These items will be incorporated into class with attention to fitness and exercise. Carnathan also conducts student FitnessGrams twice a year to measure students’ progress.

Melissia McCoy, RN, a school nurse at Okolona Elementary School, works with the school’s food service administrator, Ann Nicholson, on a program targeting fifth grader students. They will use their $2,000 grant to buy each student a food journal, as well as educational materials and pedometers. They plan to sponsor a walk-a-thon for families and the community, and host a food fair.

Connie Stuart, RN, a certified health educator at Mantachie Elementary School, will use her $2,000 grant to implement the Presidential Fitness Challenge for fourth-grade students. The grant will help purchase games, equipment and aerobic videos to help motivate the children and show that physical activity and good nutrition can be fun. She will also conduct a health fair for faculty and staff.

NMMC employs 17 registered nurses and three certified health educators serving 24 schools in seven counties. NMMC has invested $2 million in the School Health Centers during the life of the program. For more information, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

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