New child health program in Henderson schools

HENDERSON, KY (WFIE) - Dozens of educators in Henderson spent Wednesday learning about a new program they plan to roll out in schools.

It's called "CATCH" - Coordinated Approach to Child Health.

The program is all about promoting healthy behaviors and giving students the chance to practice them.

The CATCH program has been around for 25 years and is used across the U.S. and in other parts of the world.

It has four main components - nutrition, physical activity, health education and family and community involvement.

"We look for ways to differentiate ourselves from everybody else, and we think this is a key leverage point.  If we can be a school or school system or a community that's healthy, healthier than most, then we really think that's a leverage point of showing how great we are and bringing people to our community," said Rob Carroll, Principal, South Heights Elementary School.

"We went to the principals' meeting here in Henderson and we thought, we'll get a couple schools that'll be behind it.  100% participation from all the principals who were ready to jump on board and said we need to do this for our community and our schools," said Jeff Troxel, Board Chairman, SUBWAy restaurants of the Tri-State.

Many of those attending Wednesday's training session work in the Henderson County school system or at Holy Name.

Tri-State Subway restaurants, The Jared Foundation and the Henderson Community Foundation are all supporters of the CATCH program.

Several other local sponsors are helping it launch in Henderson.

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