August 13, 2015
Austin, TX (8/6/15)
The CATCH Global Foundation is proud to announce a partnership with 14 Ysleta ISD elementary schools in El Paso, Texas to deploy the highly effective, evidence-based CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) program during the coming school year. The project is made possible through a generous grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas’ (BCBSTX) “Healthy Kids, Healthy Families” initiative and the ongoing support of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The Ysleta ISD CATCH training will officially kick off on August 19th.
CATCH is considered the most cost-effective means of preventing childhood obesity, according to independent research and third-party evaluation. Developed at universities over the past 25 years, CATCH is now being used by more than 10,000 sites worldwide to combat obesity and improve child health.
The CATCH Training Team is already working with staff from Ysleta ISD and a coordinated wellness team at each of the 14 elementary schools to implement CATCH during the 2015-2016 school year. There will also be parent and community special events throughout the year in the El Paso area.
“Everyone at Ysleta ISD is so excited to implement the CATCH curriculum this school year and really make a difference in our students and families lives,” said Sonia Noriega, Ysleta ISD Lead Teacher of Health and Physical Education. “CATCH will empower our school’s leaders to fight childhood obesity and help teach children how to be healthy for a lifetime.”
A similar CATCH project funded by BCBSTX last year in Los Fresnos CISD schools had quick and significant impact, yielding a 29% increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among students and a 27% increase in the portion of students maintaining a healthy weight according to CDC guidelines – all during a single school year.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Ysleta ISD and believe the CATCH tools and methodology will have great results there too, helping hundreds of families make healthier lifestyle and nutrition choices,” said Duncan Van Dusen, CATCH Global Foundation Executive Director. “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has been vital in helping the CATCH Global Foundation expand the program in the Lone Star state and we’re honored to be part of their ongoing commitment to Texas communities.”
“Healthy Kids, Healthy Families” began as a three-year initiative to pull local, state and national resources together to make a significant impact on childhood health and wellness. MD Anderson’s support for CATCH comes through its Moon Shots Program, which aims to accelerate the conversion of scientific discoveries into advances that drastically reduce cancer deaths. The CATCH Global Foundation links underserved communities to funds and resources needed to implement the CATCH program. All stakeholders involved in the Ysleta ISD kick-off are excited to see the impact CATCH will have on the community in El Paso.
“We’re a proud supporter of the CATCH Global Foundation and through our “Healthy Kids, Healthy Families” partnership, we’ve seen remarkable success in school districts throughout Texas,” said Catherine Oliveros, Director of Community Affairs at BCBSTX. “Using CATCH tools and training, we expect to see a lasting positive impact on the lives of school children and their families in El Paso.”
The CATCH training with Ysleta ISD leadership will kick-off on August 19th, followed by a media luncheon. For more information or to attend, please contact [email protected].
EN 
ES 
ES_CO 
SW 
HI