Governor DeWine announces increase in Ohio schools providing student prevention services
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin Monday announced an increase in the number of schools providing prevention-focused programs, services and supports. The latest Prevention Services Report outlines this progress from school years 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Prevention-focused programs, services and supports assist students in developing the knowledge and skills to engage in healthy behaviors and decision-making and to increase their awareness of the dangers and consequences of risky behaviors.
During the 2022-23 school year, 98 percent of schools offered prevention-focused programs and supports and more than 93 percent of schools offered prevention-focused curricula.
“Prevention-focused programs equip students with knowledge and skills to manage their health and well-being now and in the future,” said Governor DeWine. “Schools are strengthening partnerships with families and community organizations to ensure children are ready to learn each day.”
“Students who are healthy, safe and supported in the classroom are better prepared to meet their academic and career goals,” said Director Dackin. “I applaud the ways Ohio schools, students, families, and community partners are working together to create positive school climates and address barriers that prevent students from engaging in learning.”
In the 2022-23 school year, schools reported increases in prevention-focused programs, services and supports, including:
• More than 94 percent of schools partnered with community coalitions, organizations, or other external agencies to provide prevention services and resources to families during the 2022-23 school year compared to more than 92 percent in the 2021-2022 school year.
• A total of 3,192 (92.6 percent) schools reported efforts to engage with parents and families regarding prevention-focused services during the 2022-23 school year.
• More than 96 percent of schools provided prevention-focused professional development during the 2021-2022 school year, while more than 97 percent of schools provided prevention-focused professional development during the 2022-23 school year.
Under the leadership of Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly, Ohio’s districts and schools are provided with Student Wellness and Success Funds and Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid to implement initiatives that support wraparound services for Ohio’s students, including the implementation of culturally appropriate, evidence-based or evidence-informed prevention services.
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