CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
PROMOTION PROGRAMS

Gold Medal Schools Program in Utah County
There is growing concern for the health of our children with an estimated 22.5 % of Utah elementary school students overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. A decline in physical activity and unhealthy eating habits are major contributors to the problem.
- The Gold Medal Schools Program is a school based program designed to create policy and environmental changes in schools that increase physical activity and promote healthy eating for students, faculty and staff. Partners include Intermountain Health Care, Utah State Office of Education and the Utah Department of Health.
- Schools can achieve 5 levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Focus Areas
- Receive a total of $1500 for their participation
- Schools are assigned a mentor to assist with implementing the program during the entire school year.
Criteria Examples
- Walking program using the Gold Medal Mile
- 90 minutes of structured Physical Activity each week
- Safe and Active Routes to School
- Tobacco Policy
- Faculty and staff Wellness Program
Successes in Utah County…
- 25 schools have participated in the Gold Medal Schools Program
- Utah County Schools have earned
over $15,100 to be used for physical activity and nutrition resources
- Utah County Gold Medal Schools have walked over 233,040 miles
- Helped students understand the importance of physical activity,
nutrition and staying tobacco free
- Improved behavior at lunch and recess
For more information about the program or to complete an application to become a Gold Medal School, go to www.hearthighway.org.
For questions contact Utah County Gold Medal School Coordinators:
Patty Cross 851-7528
uchlth.pattyc@state.ut.us
Kari Schmidt 851-7082
uchlth.karis@state.ut.us
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