Happenings at CCHD: Public Health Educator

Typically, you wouldn’t think of someone with a Public Relations Degree and a Journalism Minor as a Public Health Educator at a local health department, but during college I completed health communication courses that kick started my passion for public health. Later, interning at Joint Council for Economic Opportunity the passion grew while working on the Backpack Program, which provided children in need with healthy food on the weekend.  When an opportunity opened up to work with schools and townships to improve the health of the community I was excited to apply. Here I am almost three years later at the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) working to create a healthier community!

Since starting at CCHD I have worked in multiple grants funded by the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Health Foundation. Currently, I coordinate the Creating Healthy School and Communities (CHSC) grant. CHSC is a public health initiative to reduce major risk factors of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. I work with schools, communities, retailers, and worksites to increase opportunities for nutrition and physical activity. 

Archery program at Northern Adirondack Central School.

Schools

I meet with school wellness committees to discuss wellness goals and improvements to their school to create a healthier environment for students and staff. These committees are key to school wellness, focusing on physical activity and healthy eating throughout the school day. The committees have had many successes including:

• Reviewing, revising, and passing Board of Education approved wellness policies.
• Increasing physical activity opportunities in the classroom and adding new and exciting physical education curriculum components like mountain biking, archery, and rock climbing.
• Increasing healthier options with fundraising, vending machines and classroom celebrations. 

Communities

I work with town representatives to pass Complete Streets Resolutions, making the streets safer and convenient for all ages and abilities to walk, bike and roll. One example is the addition of a crosswalk with signage on a street in Altona, to enable residents to easily and safely walk to the town office, church hall, food pantry, and park. 

Better Choice Retailer shelf tag.

Retailers

Better Choice Retailer (BCR) Program works with local store owners to make it easier for customers to identify and choose healthier options within the store. We strive to make the healthy choice the easy choice.  If you walk into a local BCR you will find colorful shelf tags placed throughout the store identifying healthier options. We encourage store owners to carry fresh grab-n-go produce options and have produce displays. To find a BCR near you or for information on how your store can apply visit: clintonhealth.org/bc.

Worksites

I connect with area worksites to develop Healthy Food, Beverage, and Wellness Policies. These policies encourage employees to eat healthier, have healthy options available at meetings, and engage in physical activity during the workday.

I use my background every day providing clear, concise health messages to our partners.  Some of the best parts of my day are hearing the excitement from students and faculty of the changes in the school districts; having town supervisors express gratitude for the Complete Streets transformations; and working with a great team at CCHD that does meaningful work on a daily basis.  What I like most about my job is being part of something that can impact so many lives.  For more information about Creating Healthy Schools and Communities, visit clintonhealth.com/chsc.

Amanda Prenoveau

Public Health Educator

Health Planning and Promotion Division