About ASHA

Imagine 1927, a group of dedicated doctors huddle at a public health meeting, their vision clear: healthy kids thriving in schools. It was there they formed the American Association of School Physicians, ASHA's proud ancestor. But soon, they realized it wasn't just doctors who cared. Counselors, nutritionists, physical education teachers – anyone who shared their passion for kids' well-being joined the team!

By 1936, the movement had grown so much that the organization opened its doors to everyone, not just doctors. Recognizing the diverse perspectives and expertise needed to truly support students, they officially changed their name to the American School Health Association, or ASHA as we know it today. With Dr. William Howe as the first president, ASHA would continue to see growth as an organization.

Today, ASHA is a vibrant community of experts from all walks of life. Nurses, social workers, educators – we're a diverse crew, united by a singular mission: to empower kids to thrive in healthy, supportive school environments. We champion healthy habits that stick, build communities that uplift kids, and ignite a passion for school health in everyone.

Dr. Howe's spirit lives on in our work today. We strive to ensure every child experiences the holistic well-being that he, and countless others who followed, fought for. So, the next time you see a delicious and nutritious lunch option in the cafeteria, a fun activity that gets kids moving, or a program that supports their mental well-being, remember, ASHA might have had a hand in it! We're proud to be a part of making schools places where every child can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to transform all schools into places where every student learns and thrives.

Vision Statement

We envision healthy students who learn and achieve in a safe and healthy environment nurtured by caring adults functioning within coordinated school and community support systems.

5 Core Beliefs

Our core beliefs encompass five critical components of a healthy school environment designed to support PreK-12 students. We support student-centered, integrated and collaborative approaches that address the needs of the whole child. We believe the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model is the best representation of a truly collaborative approach to health and learning.

Health and learning are directly linked and essential to the development of healthy, resilient citizens.

Schools are uniquely positioned to help students acquire healthy habits for a lifetime.

A coordinated school health approach is the most effective and efficient means of promoting healthy citizens.

School health professionals should be highly qualified and be able to use current theory and research to select and design effective health and education strategies.

Schools should be safe, nurturing environments that facilitate learning for all.

Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model

The WSCC model is the recommended framework by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for addressing health in schools. The WSCC model is student-centered and emphasizes the role of the community in supporting the school, the connections between health and academic achievement and the importance of evidence-based school policies and practices. We, at ASHA, believe the WSCC model is the best representation of a truly collaborative approach to health and learning. Below are the 10 Components that make up the WSCC Model.

Community Involvement

Community groups, organizations, and local businesses create partnerships with schools, share resources, and volunteer to support student learning, development, and health-related activities.

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Counseling Psychological & Social Services

These prevention and intervention services support the mental, behavioral, and social-emotional health of students and promote success in the learning process.

Employee Wellness

Fostering school employees’ physical and mental health protects school staff, and by doing so, helps to support students’ health and academic success.

Family Engagement

This relationship between school staff and families cuts across and reinforces student health and learning in multiple settings—at home, in school, in out-of-school programs, and in the community.

Health Education

Health education, based on an assessment of student health needs and planned in collaboration with the community, ensures reinforcement of health messages that are relevant for students and meet community needs.

Social & Emotional School Climate

The social and emotional climate of a school can impact student engagement in school activities; relationships with other students, staff, family, and community; and academic performance.

Nutrition Environments & Services

Healthy eating has been linked in studies to improved learning outcomes and helps ensure that students are able to reach their potential.

Health Services

Health services connect school staff, students, families, community and healthcare providers to promote the health care of students and a healthy and safe school environment.

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Physical Education & Physical Activity

Physical education provides cognitive content and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for healthy active living, physical fitness, sportsmanship, self-efficacy, and emotional intelligence.

Physical Environment

A healthy and safe physical school environment promotes learning by ensuring the health and safety of students and staff.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Consider supporting the American School Health Association (EIN: 34-0840812) as part of your estate planning. ASHA is dedicated to creating healthy school environments where every child can learn and thrive. By including ASHA in your will or estate plan, you can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of future generations. Your generosity will help fund vital programs, research, and advocacy efforts that promote physical, mental, and social health in schools across the nation. Leaving a legacy of wellness through ASHA is an investment in the future of our children.