School Health Advisory Committee

The School Health Advisory Committee helps identify health problems and concerns, set priorities, and design solutions to build a robust school health services program that creates a place where students are able to stay healthy, in school, and ready to learn. The School Health Services model is student-centered and emphasizes the various methods used to support students: acute and emergency care, care coordination, chronic disease management, and family and youth engagement. The membership understands the connections between health and academic achievement and the importance of evidence-based school policies and practices. 

Purpose 

The purpose of the SHAC shall be to advise the Coordinated School Health program staff of the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, including Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and such other departments and groups as appropriate, on the provision of school health services and health-related activities in the PreK-12 educational setting of any public or private school approved pursuant to 20-A MRSA §2902 educational setting. 

Functions 

1. Have advisory input into developing, reviewing, and revising guidelines on providing school health services, health-related activities, and systems to improve school health, including both physical and social environments. (20-A MRSA §6403-A (5)) 
2. Review and make recommendations on school health-related legislation as needed. 
3. Elect and respond to issues brought to the committee by the departments, other appropriate agencies, and members. 
4. Support the design and implementation of evidence-based, culturally- and linguistically-appropriate guidelines and programs.