The Interior Health Authority and School District 67 (Okanagan Skaha) partnered on a Healthy Schools BC Regional Grant to support the delivery of comprehensive sexual health to improve the holistic health of students. The group had noticed that many students were reporting challenges in relationships and a lack of inclusive environments with respect to gender identity. They formed a leadership team of teachers and public health nurses to create resources that support the needs of students and the school communities.
The leadership group set out to accomplish the goal of supporting educators to deliver comprehensive sexual health by first increasing the knowledge of educators. Despite setbacks due to the pandemic, the group was able collaborate and build a series of resources for educators, which included a “Let’s talk about sex today” teaching resource, teaching tools, and hygiene kits. The group also offered all SD 67 educators online training through Saleema Noon Sexual Educator’s Body Science program.
Overall, the grant has facilitated the formation of a comprehensive sexual health leadership team and formed a partnership between Interior Health and SD 67 that will continue beyond the granting cycle.