CATCH in Missoula, Montana is truly Taking Off!

by Lisa Timms and Laura Del Guerra

Many rural schools and community recreation programs have embraced CATCH in Missoula County and other neighboring communities. Missoula County covers approximately 2,600 square miles in the western part of the state. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region. Missoula County has a population of just over 100,000 people and the county seat is the city of Missoula. Missoula County Public Schools serve 8,600 students in 17 schools. There are also12 neighboring schools and 11 private schools.

Montana, along with the rest of the nation, is battling the obesity epidemic. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 18% of Montana high school students are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight; and 27% of low-income children between 2 and 5 years of age are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. The Missoula BMI-for-Age Surveillance and Screening Project, which is managed through the MSU College of Nursing has collected local BMI data. To date, 2,624 1st - 5th grade children have been measured. Approximately 15.7% of the children measured were in the at-risk-for-overweight category (85th -95th percentile) and 13% of the children were overweight (>95th percentile). As a result of these increasing numbers and widespread community concern, many Missoula agencies have teamed up to address this crisis using CATCH.

The Missoula City-County Health Department, St. Patrick Hospital, the Montana State University College of Nursing, and many school districts and local parents have partnered together to form local CATCH teams. These CATCH champions meet monthly to track on-going projects, offer networking opportunities for CATCH schools, and explore ways to enhance CATCH messages throughout the community.

The CATCH team has two designated members who work directly with the schools and other sites. They serve as a supportive network to help kick start the program, provide materials, training, and classroom co-educators. Lisa Tims, Senior Community Health Specialist coordinates two of the five CATCH components: Go for Health classroom curriculum and physical activity. Laura Del Guerra, Registered Dietitian coordinates two components: Eat Smart school nutrition and Family Home Team activities. New to Missoula is CATCH Kids Club, which is supported by both Laura and Lisa.

The CATCH team is proud of their latest CATCH component: Family Home Nights. Once a month, community families and youth gather at the local hospital for a fun and interactive health-related presentation and activities. The "Great Grocery Store Adventure", "What's for Lunch?", and "Happy Healthy Holiday Meals" were fall topics. Families who attend have the opportunity to win prizes including family gym memberships as well as sample healthy snacks. Kids and adults alike have expressed their joy in attending these events.

Missoula is proving to be a strong CATCH community. Schools and other sites are not mandated to adopt CATCH; rather they understand the value this program brings to youth and welcome the holistic components that build healthier children and families. Many schools have already embraced full CATCH implementation with others following.

Over the past five years, the CATCH Program has matured locally. CATCH was first introduced to Missoula in 2002 when the state of Montana received child focused obesity prevention funds for a two year period. Missoula used these funds to purchase CATCH curriculum and pilot the program in two Missoula County Public Schools in 3rd and 4th grade classrooms. Teachers expressed enthusiasm about this scientific program that expanded to reading, writing, math, language, and small group activities. By 2004, more schools have shown interest and CATCH was expanded to 7 schools in select 3rd and 4th grade classrooms and 3rd-5th grade PE classes. Today the program is stronger than ever. Many classrooms are CATCH focused and four schools have adopted all four CATCH components. Other schools have stated their readiness to begin full CATCH implementation. Many community child focused programs have also invested in CATCH. The Missoula YMCA, Parks and Rec, and after-school programs have all adopted the CATCH Kids Club curriculum and report positive feedback from children and staff.

Many CATCH schools have given positive feedback about how CATCH is working for their school. Frenchtown School noted that their lunch counts have increased as a result of making healthier changes to their lunch menu. Kids proudly report that they like the healthy options. Colleen Cooper a 5th grade teacher at Hellgate Elementary stated, “CATCH compliments the science curriculum. Students enjoy all of the activities and retained a majority of the information.” The DeSmet School PE teacher appreciates the guidebook with activity cards. It has helped her outline age-appropriate heart healthy activities.

The Missoula CATCH team would like to thank the national CATCH trainers for visiting Missoula in August. Joey Walker and Karen Doramus worked with local teachers and other educators on CATCH specifics. The training was an invaluable piece to sustaining CATCH. We also appreciate the on-going support from the National CATCH representatives. Their continued support and guidance helps to make our jobs easier.

Back to Archives

Contact us for more information on CATCH!