Program Representative Interviewed: Jeff Franklin, Illinois Delta Project Director,
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine – The Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development
Location: Carbondale, Illinois
Program Overview: The Illinois
CATCH Onto Health Consortium promotes positive health behaviors and physical activity in schools to
prevent and reduce childhood obesity starting as early as pre-K. Through this initiative, the program has
reached over 75% of 106 eligible schools in the Illinois Delta Region. Participating schools have received
continuous support with creating healthier school environments through partnership with school health
services and wellness teams as well as creating wellness policies and implementing strategies to
increase activity levels during physical education classes. The program uses evidence-based programming and
has incorporated social and emotional focused components to reflect overall health and wellness. The program
engages school staff, including teachers, physical education teachers, and school nutritional service staff,
as well as the children's families and guardians as partners.
