Promoviendo la Salud en la Comunidad | Promoting Health in the Community
The Zuckerman Family Center for Prevention and Health Promotion actively engages with our community through a variety of programs and initiatives.
Ongoing Community Engagements
ZCFPHP values our collaborative efforts within the community, empowering individuals to make informed health decisions while partnering with other local organizations that share a common vision. We also engage UA students eager to make a positive impact.
Healthy2BMe Camp
Locations: Dietz K-8 School, John Valenzuela Youth Center (JVYC), Pasqua Yaqui Wellness Center
Program Coordinator: Nicole Falbo (nbergier@arizona.edu)
Healthy 2B Me (H2BM) is a wellness camp for underserved youth in the greater Tucson area. Since 2013, Healthy 2B Me Summer Camp has reached nearly 600 local elementary students, ages 7-10, in Southern Arizona. Our camp is designed to increase public health knowledge (diet, physical activity, and tobacco prevention) and promote positive lifestyle choices related to self-care, kindness and healthy relationships. The camp is held as week-long sessions, with each camp day focused on a specific health and wellness theme.
Healthy Schools Tucson
Location: Saints Peter and Paul School (SPPS) since 2018
Program Coordinator: Sabrina Plattner, M.Ed. (plattner@arizona.edu)
Healthy Schools Tucson delivers lessons to middle school students focused on the following six goals:
- Strengthening immunity and reducing stress
- Enhancing nutrition with more fruits and vegetables
- Monitor sugar consumption
- Cultivating awareness of balanced portions and "portion distortion"
- Supporting daily movement
- Promoting restorative sleep and proper hydration
"I liked the Tobacco and Vaping lesson. I know a lot of people who partake in tobacco, and I only knew it was bad, but I did not know why really." - 8th grade student HST
Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud
The Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud public health program (in English: Committed to Your Health), promotes community-driven research partnerships, service, and education to support health equity in Southern Arizona.
Wildcat Marathoners
Location: Saints Peter and Paul School
Program Coordinator: Sabrina Plattner, M.Ed. (plattner@arizona.edu)
The Wildcat Marathoners (WM) program engages local school children through a walking/running program to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Participating schools will set up a walking/running club at their school with a goal of meeting at least once per week. With the help of the club's supervisor (school staff or parent volunteer), children will track laps using punch cards and receive "fitness finder charms" as incentives when they reach mielage milestones. Club participants will complete at least 12.1 miles - 1 mile short of a half-marathon - before the one-mile FitKidz race at the University of Arizona on February 9, 2020. Children participating in this event who have accumulated at least 12.1 miles at their school's WM program will receive a completion certificate and a University of Arizona superhero cape.
Healthy Habits Tucson (HHT)
Location: Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson | Roy Drachman Clubhouse
Program Coordinator: Sabrina Plattner, M.Ed. (plattner@arizona.edu)
Healthy Habits Tucson is a program designed to bring together older adults (55 and up) and younger generations to promote healthy living. Seniors share their lifetime experiences and wisdom to inspire younger participants to adopt better lifestyle habits. Through hands-on activities, volunteers and students from Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH) work together to teach practical strategies for maintaining health at every stage of life. The program fosters respect, breaks stereotypes, and creates positive role models for both youth and volunteers. Healthy Habits Tucson offers a unique opportunity for seniors to stay socially engaged while helping children improve their nutrition, fitness, and mental wellbeing.
St. Johns After School Program
Location: St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
Program Coordinator: Sabrina Plattner, M.Ed. (plattner@arizona.edu)
We are continuing our partnership and collaboration with St. Johns afterschool program, located in South Tucson. As part of the HPS 497/597E Community Health and Wellness Course, MEZCOPH students create and disseminate weekly lessons to 50- 60 children each Wednesday afternoon. The weekly topics included a lesson in nutrition, physical activity, and social-emotional learning through art immersion activities. The St. Johns students greet MEZCOPH students each week with hugs and smiles. The children devour healthy snacks and engage in interactive art activities and physical active games each week with excitement!
Zen Den
Location: Rivera Elementary School
Program Coordinator: Sabrina Plattner, M.Ed. (plattner@arizona.edu)
In 2022, the Zuckerman Family Center for Prevention & Health Promotion and Activate Tucson teamed up with Rivera Elementary School to focus on preventing childhood obesity and improving child health. They discovered that addressing stress and anxiety in children was crucial, especially after the pandemic. Teachers at Rivera Elementary painted and decorated the Zen Den with supplies from Activate Tucson, while BeachFleishman generously donated items from teachers' wish lists. Led by Sabrina Plattner, MPH students from the University of Arizona will survey students' experiences with the Zen Den. The space proved to be a success in its first year, with 86% of teachers reporting reduced stress and 93% seeing improved emotional coping, with plans to expand the program across schools in the district.
"The Zen Den room has impacted all grade levels from K-6th grade (18 classes)." - School Counselor