Donation to help students at Crane and Orr High Schools

CHICAGO – The Rush University College of Nursing Faculty Practice Program received a $50,000 contribution to assist with the development and implementation of an obesity prevention, identification and treatment program at school-based health centers.  The grant from the Walmart Foundation’s Illinois State Giving Program will work to educate and treat students about all aspects of obesity.

“Obesity in the adolescent population is a growing problem,” said Marilyn Wideman, DNP, RN, director of faculty practice and outreach at Rush University’s College of Nursing.  “Overweight adolescents have a greater lifetime risk of chronic disease and medical problems.  The support from Walmart will enable us to implement an obesity prevention program and provide needed treatment for overweight students.”

The obesity prevention initiative will be implemented at school-based health centers at Crane and Orr High Schools on Chicago’s West Side.  The program aims to increase awareness of health risks associated with being overweight, increase knowledge of nutrition and exercise, change behavior related to physical activity and nutrition and improve the health status of overweight students.

The protocol will consist of prevention programs, body mass index assessment strategies, development of a diagnosis and treatment program and individualized action plans for overweight students.

John Bisio of Walmart presented the check to Wideman at a check presentation ceremony on July 6. 

“Walmart is very pleased to be supporting Rush University and their school-based health centers, and are committed to helping those in need in the communities where we serve,” said Bisio.  “Through this grant, we are hopeful that students at Crane and Orr High Schools will increase their knowledge about nutrition and exercise and improve their health status.”

The contribution to Rush University’s College of Nursing was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Illinois State Giving Program (SGP).  Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better.  The SGP strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.

About Rush University College of Nursing
The Rush College of Nursing is ranked among the best nursing schools in the country. Eight programs in the Rush College of Nursing are ranked among the top 25 in the country in the 2009 edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools” survey published by U.S. News & World Report magazine.

Rush University is the academic component of Rush University Medical Center, a leader in health care in Chicago and in the Midwest for more than 150 years. This unique integration stimulates excellence in education, practice, scholarly activities and professional leadership by the faculty and the graduates of the College of Nursing. Founded in 1972, the University includes the College of Nursing, Rush Medical College, the College of Health Sciences and the Graduate College.

For more information on programs at Rush, visit the College of Nursing Web site at www.rushu.rush.edu/nursing or call the Office of Admissions Services at (312) 942-7100.