Reich College of Education

Mission

Appalachian State University has assumed a leadership role in health education in North Carolina since the beginning of the program in 1972. Faculty members have prepared highly qualified health educators for a variety of settings. Graduates have been successful in employment and in pursuing graduate education. Faculty members are effective in the classroom and productive in grant writing, service, and scholarship. Appalachian houses the NC School Health Training Center with grants funded by the NC Department of Public Instruction, NC Department of Health and Human Services, and the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund.

Purpose

• The purpose of health education is to positively influence the health behavior of individuals and communities.
• School health education is a fundamental and indispensable component of basic education.
• The ultimate goal of school health education is to prevent premature deaths and disabilities by empowering children and youth with health literacy.

Association for the Advancement of Health Education

Goals

• Describe the discipline of Health Education and its foundation in learning theory and the biological and behavioral sciences
• Explain the role and functions of the health educator in schools, community agencies, worksites, and hospitals and clinics
• Identify important concepts of nutrition, consumer health, family life/sexuality, mental health, chronic and communicable diseases, first aid and safety, and environmental health
• Demonstrate a variety of methods and skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating health education programs
• Identify resources in health education and explain the interaction of schools and agencies in health promotion efforts.