The Subcommittee on Comprehensive School Health Education of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on School Health has developed action steps for pediatricians who want to contribute to the health education programs in their communities and states.

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1. At the Community Level

• Identify and link with other groups working on health education in your community.
  
• Contact the chairperson of your AAP chapter's school health committee or call the AAP for the names of local pediatricians in the Section on School Health. These pediatricians are good partners and may have personal experiences to share with you.
  
• Identify and contact the local school district health education coordinators to learn the type of health education occurring in schools, who makes health education decisions, and who in the school district is interested in health education.
  
• Develop or join a school health advisory board or the school health council.
  
• Encourage parents to find out what their children are being taught about health at school, and enlist parental support for comprehensive school health education.
  
• Organize a needs assessment to define the most relevant health issues for the local population.
  
• Contact the local media and inform them of primary child health concerns in the community. Their stories and programs by the local media can generate interest in improving the health status of the community's youth and mobilize parents, schools, and others to take action.
  
• Become a school medical advisor to develop support within the school school's administrative structure.
  

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2. At the State Level

• Develop link with chapters of organizations working on comprehensive school health education, such as the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and others.
  
• Investigate the legislation that exists in your state regarding health education.
  
• Contact your local legislator and your AAP chapter office to learn how state government works and how to start state level activities.
  
• Call the AAP to obtain a copy of the state legislative packet on comprehensive school health education, which has excellent references and resources.
  
• Develop a state level coalition to define legislation and implementation needs. This coalition might include representatives of your AAP chapter, the state medical and dental societies, school boards, PTAs, health educators from state colleges and universities, child advocacy groups, and representatives of the state education agency for promoting the health and well being of students.