August Awareness: Back to School Wellness and CHW Appreciation Week
- May 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 5
August Encourages Families to Prioritize Back-to-School Wellness and CHW Appreciation Week
Media Contact:Thumb Community Health PartnershipKay Balcer, Executive DirectorEmail: balcer@thumbhealth.orgWebsite: www.ThumbHealth.org
[Thumb Region, MI] August 1, 2026 — As students across the Thumb region prepare to return to school, Thumb Community Health Partnership (TCHP) is encouraging families to make health and wellness a priority. A healthy start to the school year can help children feel their best, improve attendance, and set them up for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Back-to-school preparation goes beyond buying school supplies. It is also the perfect time to schedule annual wellness visits, dental and vision exams, update immunizations, establish healthy sleep routines, and encourage balanced meals and regular physical activity. Supporting a child's mental health and creating open communication at home are just as important as preparing backpacks and classrooms.
"Healthy students are better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed," said Kay Balcer, Executive Director of Thumb Community Health Partnership. "Simple steps like scheduling checkups, building healthy routines, and talking with your child about their physical and emotional well-being can make a big difference throughout the school year."
As children get older, back-to-school conversations should also include the risks of substance use. Vaping, nicotine products, alcohol, cannabis, and the misuse of prescription medications continue to affect young people across the country. Parents and trusted adults play a key role in prevention. Honest, age-appropriate conversations and strong family connections can help teens make healthy choices.
What You Can Do Before School Starts
Families can help children have a healthy and successful school year by:
Schedule annual wellness visits with your child's healthcare provider.
Make sure immunizations are up to date and complete any required school health forms.
Schedule dental and vision exams before the school year begins.
Establish healthy routines by setting consistent bedtimes, limiting screen time, and encouraging daily physical activity.
Pack healthy lunches and snacks to help children stay focused and energized.
Talk with your child or teen about stress, mental health, and the dangers of vaping, alcohol, and other substances.
Know where to find support if your family needs help accessing healthcare, food, transportation, or other community resources.
Community Health Worker (CHW) Appreciation Week is also recognized in August. Community Health Workers serve as trusted partners who help individuals and families connect with healthcare, community services, and other essential resources. TCHP thanks the Community Health Workers across the Thumb region for the important role they play in improving health and supporting families every day.
Throughout August, Thumb Community Health Partnership will share back-to-school wellness tips, youth health resources, and information about local services to help families start the school year strong.
For more information about Thumb Community Health Partnership or local resources, visit www.ThumbHealth.org or follow TCHP on Facebook.
Resources used for this campaign:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Back-to-School Health: https://www.cdc.gov
American Academy of Pediatrics – HealthyChildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org
SAMHSA – Talk. They Hear You.® Campaign: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you
National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW): https://nachw.org
The Thumb Community Health Partnership (TCHP) encompasses Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties and includes 32 health and human service organizations, including local public health departments, hospitals, human service agencies, education, and health clinics. The partnership works to improve coordination of services and access to care for residents.
The Thumb Community Health Partnership (TCHP) encompasses Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties and includes 32 health and human service organizations, including local public health departments, hospitals, human service agencies, education, and health clinics. The partnership works to improve coordination of services and access to care for residents.
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