CATCH Champion - October 2008
Interview with Amanda James
Health Educator, Cleveland & McClain Counties, Oklahoma
What prompted you to be an advocate and champion of children’s health?
Being a health educator, I believe you have to start with children. If you build healthy habits with them early, we hope they will continue these habits through adulthood. Children are so fun to work with and take everything in from adults around them.
When did you adopt the CATCH Program and what prompted you to do so?
We adopted the CATCH program in August of 2007. After looking at our community and the rising numbers of childhood obesity, we knew we had to do something. We were contacted about the CATCH program and began implementing the program in a school where over half of their students receive free or reduced lunch.
Describe notable changes since implementing CATCH and how you know CATCH is working.
The children in the CATCH program take this program home with them. They start trying new fruits and vegetables with their parents and get involved at the grocery store. The children also start educating their peers about what they are eating and drinking. The kids are also making healthier choices like taking the skin off their chicken or choosing yogurt over ice cream. We know CATCH is working and we can only hope to spread this program across the state.
What are the keys to your success?
We have had great success in our program because of our community partners and their belief in the program. All of our partners sincerely believe this program works and they are committed to participating and making the program a success. We are able to provide healthy snacks and make changes to children’s school lunch menus because we work closely with the school nutrition staff.
What advice can you offer for those just beginning and for those who have already implemented the CATCH Program.
For those just beginning the CATCH program, my advice would be to be patient. Any new program takes time to develop, but it is well worth the time. Those who have already implemented the CATCH program - keep up the hard work. You are affecting and making a difference in the lives of so many children!
What was your most significant barrier and how did you overcome the challenge?
Our most significant barrier has been to get the kids engaged. We are implementing CATCH with an after school program, so it was very difficult at first to get the kids to participate in any organized activity when they have been doing that all day. After getting into the CATCH routine and making the program fun, all of the kids participate and love it! We have also implemented a "CATCH of the Day" award, so that each week a different child is awarded a medal. This helps to keep the kids engaged.
What has been the reaction from parents, administration, students and community?
The community has really taken to this program and parents really like the fact that their children are involved in physical activities in the after school setting. They love the fact that their children are participating in organized activity and they can participate at the level they feel comfortable with.
What are your plans for the future? What is your CATCH vision?
We are looking for ways to sustain this program and get funding for all programs throughout the state. My vision for CATCH is to have this program mandated into the school day. This way children in every elementary school in Oklahoma will be able to participate in CATCH. Most of the students in our program don’t eat fruits and vegetables because their parents don’t. The CATCH program allows them to try different snacks and activities that they wouldn’t otherwise try.
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