Letter from our CEO

Dear Friends,

As we approach the end of another transformative year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've undertaken together in our mission to support whole child health.

The past year was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with both triumphs and trials that have tested our collective resilience. The country’s health landscape continued to evolve, presenting new challenges to persisting health concerns. Yet, in the face of adversity, together we demonstrated unwavering determination and adaptability.

One of our proudest moments this year was celebrating the largest number of America’s Healthiest Schools in program history at this year’s Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. Nearly 800 schools from across the country were awarded for implementing vital best practices prioritizing the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of students, staff, and families. With a focus on promoting policies that address historic and ongoing health inequities for youth from under-resourced communities, we are honored to recognize the schools that demonstrate their central role as powerful agents of impact and change.

Our commitment to health equity was further underscored by the innovative initiatives and campaigns we launched or catalyzed throughout the year. From community collaborations that started with a raised garden bed in a public housing community in rural North Carolina to strengthening comprehensive school-based wellness programs such as The Walking Classroom, we are working to help all children grow up healthy. We believe that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated team, passionate health champions, and invaluable partners who play a pivotal role in advancing whole child health. Your unwavering support and tireless efforts have been instrumental in driving our mission forward and making a meaningful impact on the lives of countless children and families.

The road to achieving a future where every mind, every body, and every young person is healthy and ready to succeed may still be long, but our resolve remains unshakeable. We are energized by the progress we've made, motivated by the lives we've reached, and inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead.

As we enter the next year, we will carry the lessons of the past year with us—lessons of resilience, forethought, innovation, and the transformative power of collaboration. With your continued support, I am confident that we will not only overcome the challenges that lie ahead but also create lasting change that reverberates through generations.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Here's to another year of making a difference and building a healthier, more equitable world for all.