The Child Health Advisory Committee (CHAC) was created by the Arkansas General Assembly through Act 1220 of 2003. The purpose of this Act and CHAC was to establish a formal group of professionals who would focus on obesity prevention strategies with a specific emphasis on public school students through the implementation of the Coordinated School Health Program.
The committee meets monthly to review the most relevant trends: promising practices and policies, resources, and state and local activities. Following this review, CHAC develops recommended best practices for education professionals, public health professionals, business leaders, policy makers, and community leaders across the state.
The four areas of focus for the 2019 CHAC Recommendations reflect the committee’s goals, which are based on current resources available to Arkansas schools and community partners. The committee determined these areas have the most potential to enhance awareness and education around factors contributing to the state’s obesity epidemic.
Committee Recommendations:
I. Enhance Awareness of Mental Health within Schools
II. Improve Student Access to Nutrition
III. Improve Community and Parent Engagement
IV. Improve Access to Resources for Physical Education
A copy of the 2019 Child Health Advisory Committee Recommendations is attached to this memo.
For questions or information regarding the Child Health Advisory Committee or the Coordinated School Health Program, please contact the DESE School Health Services Office.