Western Kentucky School and Community Wellness Summit set for March 17

A Mayo Clinic expert and other specialists will speak at the March 17 Western Kentucky School and Community Wellness Summit at the Paducah Regional Campus of Murray State University.

A Mayo Clinic expert and other specialists will speak at the March 17 Western Kentucky School and Community Wellness Summit at the Paducah Regional Campus of Murray State University.

The summit is designed to assist school wellness committees with tobacco and wellness policies, now required by federal law. School committees need public input as they draft their policies, so the public also is invited to the free summit.

Dr. Richard Hurt, emeritus professor and emeritus director of the Nicotine Dependence Center at the Mayo Clinic, will speak on harmful effects of tobacco and e-cigarettes, as well as the importance of adding e-cigarettes to tobacco-free ordinances and policies. The Murray native has authored more than 200 scientific publications and remains an activist for effective tobacco policy.

Other speakers include:

• Elizabeth Hoagland, Kentucky Department of Public Health, how to maintain 100 percent smoke free campuses.

• Jacy Wooley, Alliance from Healthier Generations, how to convene a wellness committee and develop a wellness plan for staff.

• Jamie Sparks, the Kentucky Department of Education, how to develop a comprehensive School Health Policy.

• MeMe Perdue, Action for Healthy Kids, the school health index and your school wellness policy.

The event will begin at 9 and conclude at 2:30, with lunch provided. To register, e-mail your name, title and organization to ranaa.sullivan@ky.gov.