Bluffton is among five schools to be recognized on Jan. 13 by the Activated School Challenge.

St. Rita’s Health Partners and YMCA’s PICH Grant launched the Activated School Challenge at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year.

The goal of the challenge is to bring health and wellness initiatives, policies, programs and interventions to area schools. The programs were created with technical assistance and financial support from St. Rita’s and YMCA.

Josh Unterbrink, co-director of Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH), said, “For the past few months we have worked closely with five schools to determine an individual improvement plan, and the resources that each school needs to work toward a healthier environment.”

Schools in the campaign, in addition to Bluffton, are Elida, Lima City Schools, Shawnee and St. Rose of Lima Central Catholic.

Examples of improved plans established in these schools include:
• physical activity and recess improvement plans

• Nutrition improvement plans
• Mental health improvement plans

Amy Marcum, vice president of Mission and Values Integration at St. Rita’s, said, “Part of our mission is building healthier communities. It is important that we start in our local schools.”

She added that the programs established are worth recognizing because many schools, unfortunately have a lack of funding.”