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"We are deeply honored to take on this project with the Recovery SchoolDistrict," said Robert Gillio, M.D., chairman and CEO of InnerLink. "Wewitnessed transformations from all of the students as they advancedsignificantly in their health literacy and leadership skills."
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The Recovery School District recognized InnerLink, the New OrleansDepartment of Health, and 40 high school interns on July 16, 2008 for theirwork in promoting healthy choices and health education. InnerLink managed,trained, and supported the high school senior interns' implementation of theSteps to a Healthier New Orleans school project that focused on preventingchronic diseases caused by obesity, poor diet, inactivity, and smoking. Duringa 12-week period, seniors who participated in the internship program, StudentHealth Corps, presented lessons on fitness, nutrition, and smoking preventionto more than 3,000 middle school students. These student interns were givenspecialized training weekly by InnerLink, which is creating a culture ofwellness through private and public partnerships. "We were impressed with theincredible response the middle school students had to the lesson plansdelivered by the high school seniors. During that period, we observed aremarkable capacity expansion achieved by the 40 interns that reached morethan 3,000 students with fitness, nutrition, and smoking prevention lessonplans," said Gillio.
"We believe that this program could be a national model for preparingstudents to be health advocates and health professionals," said RecoverySchool District superintendent Paul Vallas. "Our students were extremelymotivated and as dedicated to their mission as any professional." In the 2008-2009 school year, the Student Health Corps program at the Recovery SchoolDistrict is targeting an expansion to 120 interns. These interns will work intheir school districts as peer mentors and guides for healthier choices andparticipate in community outreach on public health priorities such aspromoting vaccinations and preventative measures such as blood pressurescreenings.
For more information on the Recovery School District visitwww.nolapublicschools.net .
About InnerLink
Headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, InnerLink, is an innovativedeveloper of web-based health and safety solutions for schools, communitiesand healthcare professionals. The organization's mission is to help peoplelive healthier, safer lives through education, collaboration, data sharing andcommunity involvement. InnerLink's software provides the link for knowledge,skills and practical applications across disciplines and communities toimprove the health and safety of its users. For more information, go towww.theinnerlink.com.
SOURCE InnerLink, Inc.
