A Health Action Team (HAT) is a group of students (like you) and staff champions in a school community that are supported by a Public Health Nurse (PHN). The role of student HAT members is to help plan and lead meaningful activities that improve health and wellbeing. The PHN helps to guide and support HAT students by sharing evidence-based information and ideas. Together, the team works to make the school a healthier place where students feel connected and supported.
The HAT chooses health topics to focus on based on the needs of the school community. HAT students get input from other students and staff champions to make sure the topic is relevant and important to them. The HAT then brainstorms possible actions to help improve health. For example, if students feel that vaping is a problem in their school, the PHN could suggest different education or prevention activities to implement. The team would work together to plan and lead an activity that is fun and engaging for other students. They could even invite other partners in the community to get involved.
Students who participate on the HAT learn how to be health advocates. They also gain skills in leadership, creativity, problem-solving, and public speaking.
A Hamilton student shared her experience as a member of her school’s Health and Wellness Council:
“I have helped to organize activities that promote mental wellbeing including: tea de-stress, smoothie bike, Kindness Week, and supporting the transition of students from Grade 8 to Grade 9. In addition, I have taken the lead on creating bookmarks with exam study tips, buttons with kindness messaging, and applying for the recent Public Health Agency of Canada’s School Health Grant for Youth.
The best part of being part of the Health & Wellness Council is that I feel like I am part of a community. I have developed many friendships and have learned from the adult mentors on the Council. I enjoy being able to make a difference in my school community by helping and supporting my peers.”
If you are interested in joining a HAT, speak to your school’s PHN or learn more here.
– Margot & Carol, Public Health Nurses