MINNEAPOLIS (April 22, 2019) — The 2018-2019 Change to Chill™ (CTC) School Partnership, which worked with nine area high schools, is coming to an end and a second cohort of schools has been selected.
Allina Health, through its CTC program, is helping teens manage stress and improve their mental well-being. CTC helps teens identify what is causing them stress and gives them tools and resources to care for their mental well-being and build resiliency. The program offers three key components: free, online mental well-being resources, community train-the-trainer sessions, and the CTC School Partnership. Reaching more than 100,000 teens, CTC is helping teens learn how to stress less and be well.
During the 2018-2019 school year, participating schools demonstrated a wide variety of engagement with CTC through student clubs, “chill weeks”, and the creation of designated spaces to de-stress. Based on preliminary program evaluation data, Allina Health is optimistic the CTC School Partnership positively impacts student mental well-being, including their knowledge of the topics presented on CTC and their confidence in coping with life stressors.
“We know when teens have the resources and support to stress less, they are more resilient and able to live fuller and happier lives,” said Susan Nygaard, manager of Allina Health’s Community Health Improvement. “Change to Chill works as a preventive measure to equip teens with tools and resources to better manage stress and anxiety.”
During the 2019-2020 school year the CTC School Partnership will be expanded to include 16 more area high schools. The high schools selected for the 2019-2020 CTC School Partnership are:
Blaine High School
Braham High School
Buffalo High School
Burnsville High School
Ellsworth High School (WI)
Fridley High School
Hastings High School
Henry Sibley High School
Hudson High School (WI)
Jordan High School
Monticello High school
Northfield High School
Plum City High School (WI)
Sleepy Eye High School
St. Louis Park High School
Springfield High School
The 2019-2020 CTC School Partnership will provide selected schools with yearlong support from Allina Health, a train the trainer session tailored to school staff, outreach and engagement with parents and $1,000 towards creating a “Chill Zone” – a designated student space to de-stress.
To kick off the Partnership, Allina Health will select two teens from each of the 16 high schools to participate in a paid internship this summer. Students will lead the implementation of CTC during the upcoming school year.
“During the first year of the CTC School Partnership, we saw that engaging and supporting students to play a leadership role in creatively implementing CTC was key for school-wide success.” said Kaila Lillehei, Allina Health’s Community Health Program Coordinator, who oversees the CTC School Partnership. “Interns from each of the 2019-2020 Partnership schools will learn to become champions of CTC in their school, research and present recommendations for a Chill Zone, and develop an implementation plan to support their school’s unique community and culture. We’ve been so impressed with what teens have done so far and we’re excited to see what new and creative ideas emerge with our 16 new Partnership schools.”
The Change to Chill resources are free, easy to use and include ready-to-use lessons, activities, videos and digital collateral. Schools and communities interested in a training can submit a request form or email changetochill@allina.com with program questions.
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