UA’s Rural Health Institute Recognized for Work with Children’s Health Initiative

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Rural Health Institute for Clinical and Translational Science was recognized for its work with the Governor’s KidCheck Health Initiative during an earlier ceremony at the State Capitol.

The ceremony was hosted by Gov. Bob Riley and the Alabama Power Co.

The KidCheck Health Initiative was launched in 2008 by Gov. Riley and is designed to increase access to health care in rural areas of the state. During the last school year, 17,000 children in kindergarten through 12th grade received free health screenings as well as referrals for follow-up care.

The Rural Health Institute manages and analyzes the data collected at registered KidCheck schools. Dr. John C. Higginbotham, institute director, and Jason M. Parton, an epidemiologist and project director for the institute, received a certificate of recognition at the ceremony for the institute’s work with the KidCheck program. The Institute, which is part of the College of Community Health Sciences, conducts research to improve health in rural Alabama.

“It is with great pleasure that we recognize your contributions to the success of the KidCheck student health screening program,” Riley wrote in the certificate. “We thank you for your ongoing role as a KidCheck partner, and we appreciate your continued advocacy for the health of Alabama’s children.”

The KidCheck Health Initiative is modeled after a successful program started in Bibb and Blount county schools. Through Riley’s Alabama Rural Action Commission, and with the help of the Alabama Power Foundation and BlueCross and BlueShield’s Child Caring Foundation, the KidCheck health screenings were available in 23 school systems across the state during the 2008-2009 school year.

“There’s no question that families in rural areas face special challenges in accessing health care,” Riley says. “With KidCheck, we’re able to provide children in rural schools with complete head-to-toe health care assessments for free.”

Schools participating in KidCheck set aside a day during the school year for the health screenings, which include height and weight measurements, body mass index measurements, heart and lung checks, and vision and dental screenings. After each student finishes the screenings, the results are checked by a nurse or other trained individual. Parents receive a written report of the results, and serious findings are addressed the same day.

The College of Community Health Sciences  operates a comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical clinic, University Medical Center, where College faculty members conduct their medical practices and where 70 third and fourth year medical students and 36 Family Practice Residents receive clinical experience and training. The College’s research component supports faculty and student research efforts, including clinical trials.