Health Sciences Charter School in Buffalo Engages Students with Health Ambassador Program and Urban Gardening

Igniting Hope for Health Equity

Ep. 29 In this episode of Igniting Hope Radio, guest host Ebony White interviews Isiah Gary, the Director of Diversity, Community, and Health Equity at Health Sciences Charter School in Buffalo. Isiah discusses his role in helping students plan for their future careers and promoting health equity within the school. He highlights the importance of Wellness Wednesdays, an initiative that educates the school community about social determinants of health and encourages healthier decision-making. Isaiah also talks about the school's garden program, which provides students with hands-on experience in growing their own food. The episode concludes with a discussion about the Health Ambassadors program and the impact it has had on students' understanding of health and wellness.

• "Our students have influence on each other, so empowering them to teach their peers, family members, and community about health equity is a slam dunk." - Isiah Gary

Key Takeaways:

• The school's garden program, fostered by Home Beneath Our Feet, provides students with hands-on experience in growing their own food and promotes the importance of nutrition.
• The Health Ambassadors program empowers students to teach their peers, families, and community about social determinants of health and make positive choices.
• Parents and caretakers can support young people by listening to understand, leading by example, giving them time to grow, and loving them unconditionally.

Resources:

• Health Sciences Charter School
• Buffalo Center for Health Equity
• Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

Produced by JazzCast Pros

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest speaker, Isiah Gary

0:01:16 Discussing favorite things about Buffalo, including food

0:02:00 Isiah Gary's role as Director of Diversity, Community, and Health Equity

0:03:01 Wellness Wednesday initiative at Health Sciences Charter School

0:04:08 Examples of activities during Wellness Wednesday, such as smoothie program and healthy cooking classes

0:05:12 Impact of the smoothie program on students' eating habits

0:06:36 The school's garden and plans for future involvement

0:08:03 Rewards and challenges of working with students in promoting health and wellness

0:09:49 Challenges of motivating students and accepting limitations

0:10:36 Acknowledging the loss of students and the school community's response

0:11:27 Health Sciences Charter School's strong community connection

0:12:12 Importance of teaching social determinants of health

0:13:49 Impact of Health Ambassadors program on students

0:15:19 Vision for the upcoming school year

0:17:41 Pointers and support for parents and caretakers

0:19:59 Importance of unconditional love for positive youth development

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