HEALTH PROMOTION

  • What is Health Promotion?

    Health promotion in higher education is a proactive approach to supporting student well-being by creating environments that foster healthy behaviors. Rooted in public health, it gained momentum in the late 20th century as research showed that student health directly impacts academic success. The World Health Organization’s Ottawa Charter (1986) helped shape modern health promotion by emphasizing prevention, education, and supportive campus policies. Colleges and universities now integrate wellness programs, mental health resources, peer education, and digital outreach to help students make informed choices about their health.

    Today, health promotion goes beyond traditional health education by addressing the social, emotional, and physical factors that influence well-being. Colleges use data-driven strategies to assess student needs and implement initiatives that promote mental health, nutrition, stress management, and overall wellness. By fostering a culture of health, higher education institutions aim to empower students to thrive both academically and personally.

Student Health Services works towards fostering a healthy SRJC community through a variety of health promotion efforts. 

We recognize that students will be more successful when healthy in body, mind and spirit, and when connected to a healthy campus community.



For additional information, please contact, Jeane Erlenborn, MPH, Coordinator, Student Health Promotion: jerlenborn@santarosa.edu