Promoting Student Health and Academic Success
Healthy students are better learners, and Healthy Schools Escambia (HSE) is leading the way to ensure students across Escambia County have the resources and support they need to thrive academically, physically, and emotionally. Funded by the Escambia Children’s Trust, HSE is a comprehensive initiative designed to improve student well-being by fostering healthy, safe, and supportive learning environments. By collaborating with schools, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations, the program ensures that students receive the tools, guidance, and services necessary for both academic achievement and personal growth.
Healthy Schools Escambia originally served O.J. Semmes Elementary and Global Learning Academy, providing essential health and wellness programs tailored to student needs. For the 2025–2026 school year, HSE expanded its reach to include Brentwood Elementary and West Pensacola Elementary, extending these benefits to more students in the community. This growth reflects the program’s success and the increasing recognition of the importance of holistic student health.
Whole-Child Approach
HSE focuses on a whole-child approach, recognizing that students’ academic success is deeply connected to their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The initiative provides participating schools with a variety of resources and programs that promote mental health support through counseling services, emotional learning programs, and strategies to manage stress and anxiety. It encourages physical wellness by integrating fitness programs and healthy habits into school life, while nutrition guidance programs educate students and families on healthy eating, provide access to nutritious meals, and support food security. In addition, HSE connects students and families to healthcare providers, social services, and other community resources to ensure comprehensive support. The program also helps schools implement evidence-based strategies to improve the overall learning environment, reduce barriers to education, and create policies that support sustainable health and wellness practices.
Visible Progress
“This year, it’s been incredible to see the fruits of our labor,” said Telesha Wells, HSE Program Coordinator at O.J. Semmes. “We’re not just supporting students in the classroom, we’re building real relationships with them and their families. Attendance is up, participation at family nights is growing, and the connections we’re forming are truly making a difference in their daily lives.”
When students face challenges such as poor health, stress, or unmet basic needs, their ability to focus, learn, and succeed academically can be compromised. Healthy Schools Escambia addresses these issues by integrating health and wellness initiatives into the school culture, which improves attendance, engagement, and academic outcomes while also providing educators and families with the tools they need to support student success.
Driven by Partnerships
At its core, HSE is a partnership-driven initiative. Schools work closely with local organizations, healthcare providers, and social service agencies to ensure that every student has access to comprehensive support. This coordination reduces duplication of services, maximizes the impact of available resources, and strengthens the safety net for children and families in Escambia County.
“Watching students and their families engage more deeply with the program has been so rewarding,” Wells said. “From increased participation at school events to stronger attendance, it’s clear that the work we’re doing at Healthy Schools Escambia is creating meaningful, lasting relationships that support both learning and wellness.”
Creating Lasting Impact
Funded by the Escambia Children’s Trust, HSE is designed to provide lasting impact. The Trust’s investment ensures that programs can continue to grow, adapt, and meet the evolving needs of students across participating schools. This stable funding allows schools to focus on long-term health initiatives rather than short-term, ad-hoc solutions.
By supporting Healthy Schools Escambia, the community invests directly in the future of Escambia County. Healthy, supported students are more likely to achieve academically, develop essential life skills, and reach their full potential. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation and creating a community where every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Together, we can ensure that all students in participating schools are healthy, engaged, and prepared for a bright future.