What are the costs of implementing a health promoting schools program?

Health Promoting Schools (HPS) is an effective approach that supports healthy behaviours through curriculum, healthy school policies, a supportive environment and community partnerships but there is little research on the implementation costs. The purpose of this study was to determine the costs of a HPS program in a southwest school board in Nova Scotia. A trained evaluation assistant reviewed the accounting information of the school board for the 2013-14 school year. Applicable costs included those broadly associated with supporting HPS activities related to physical activity, nutrition, and mental health. Our results found that public funding for HPS activities was relatively low compared to community support in terms of volunteer hours, donations and fundraising efforts. Therefore, although HPS can help to leverage community partnerships continued public funding is needed to ensure equitable and sustainable HPS actions to support the health and well-being of students.