Strategies

Match disadvantaged or at-risk youth with volunteer mentors in school or community settings

Support multi-component educational interventions for college students that address nutrition, physical activity, and healthy weight management; often with environmental modifications

Combine academic, mental and physical health, and social service resources in schools for students and families via partnerships with community organizations; also called community learning centers

Offer loan repayment, tuition assistance, competitive academic salaries, etc. to students who teach in nursing programs after completing an advanced degree

Delay school start times for middle and high schools to better align with adolescent sleep-wake cycles; often until after 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.

Pair new nurses with more experienced nurses who act as a resource and provide support as the new nurse establishes her or himself professionally

Deliver educational, behavioral, environmental, and other obesity prevention efforts (e.g., education classes, enhanced physical education, healthy food promotion, family outreach, etc.) in schools

Implement programs that continue education, mentoring, and support for novice nurses following graduation

Teach positively stated behavior expectations to all students, often reinforced with prizes or privileges and supported with coaching and data

Expand medical school training and learning experiences focused on the skills necessary to practice successfully in rural areas