Student Health Advisory Council Leads the Charge for Wellness at Houston High School

Houston High School’s Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is off to an impressive start this year, uniting student leaders who are committed to improving wellness across their campus. Organized into eight specialized subcommittees, ranging from mental health and physical activity to health services and education, SHAC gives students a meaningful voice in identifying campus needs and creating solutions that directly benefit their peers.

Coordinated School Health Supervisor Andy Martin said the student-led model is what makes the program so effective. “Students know what their peers need,” he explained. “When they design the plans, the work becomes more meaningful and the impact lasts.”

Several initiatives are already making a noticeable impact. The Health Education team, supported by the Houston Hearts Club, hosted its annual CPR Training Day on November 10. Through a partnership with Methodist Germantown and the Germantown Fire Department, an impressive 475 freshmen earned CPR certification in just one day.

The Health Services committee also launched a successful project of its own, planning and operating a Halloween Blood Drive that brought in 41 donors from among students and staff. With each donation estimated to help save up to three lives, the event’s contributions could positively affect approximately 123 people in need.

With momentum building and students leading the way, SHAC is quickly becoming a model for how schools can elevate wellness by trusting students to guide the work.