The South Dakota Department of Health in collaboration with Coordinated School Health in Department of Education have grant funds available to support activities that encourage healthy lifestyles for youth through physical activity and nutrition. Funds will be used to support activities to improve policy and environment through physical activity and nutrition. Applications will be accepted from all public, private and BIE K-12 schools and out of school time programs. All projects funded with this RFP must focus on children and youth. The DEADLINE is October 31, 2007.  For more information about this funding opportunity and the informational web cast go to www.healthysd.gov under the schools tab.

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Wellness Policy Issues: Fact Sheets and Rack Cards

We know that you are concerned about the health of your students. Students who are healthy are able to pay attention, sit comfortably in class, participate in physical activity, and are less apt to be the objects of teasing and bullying. Students who are healthy are more likely to have a healthy future.

A set of Fact Sheets and Rack Cards on 6 topics can be found on the Child & Adult Nutrition Services (CANS ) website www.doe.sd.gov/oess/cans/training/wellnesspolicy.asp. The rack cards can be ordered at no charge in any quantity from CANS for distribution to parents, students, school staff, and community members.

• Why Have Recess Before Lunch
• Healthy Fundraising Ideas
• Healthy Vending
• Nonfood Rewards in the Classroom
• Physical Activities for Youth
• Getting Kids to Eat More Fruits & Veggies

Contact Child & Adult Nutrition Services at 605-773-3413 if you have questions.

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“Suicide Alertness” Training - safeTALK Offered in Rapid City

The South Dakota Suicide Awareness Partnership presents safeTalk Training, a 3-hour training which demonstrates how to help a person having thoughts about suicide by using the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen, and Keep Safe). Click here for training dates and how to register.

The Suicide Awareness Partnership is a statewide youth suicide prevention project funded by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), administered by the S.D. Division of Mental Health, and managed by the HELP!Line Center. For more information go to: http://sdsuicideprevention.org/toolsforschools/index.php?id=59)  If you encounter someone at risk for suicide please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255) or go to http://www.stopasuicide.org/actdecision.aspx

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Student Immunization Database Available

The South Dakota Department of Health, Immunization Program, offers access to the South Dakota Immunization Information System to public schools in South Dakota.

The SDIIS is a centralized computer system that allows health care providers to share immunization records. The information shared includes the child’s name, sex, date of birth, social security number (if available) and immunization record. As written in South Dakota’s Codified Law, 34-22-12.5, anyone who fails to protect the confidentiality of the data in the SDIIS is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

School districts interested in obtaining access to the SDIIS should contact Tammy LeBeau, South Dakota Department of Health, at (605) 773-4783

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