Being safe and healthy today looks different than it did in 1981. That’s when the McMillen Center for Health Education was built and began it’s mission on the south side of Fort Wayne.
Today over 70 programs serve pre-k kids to teens, parents, people with disabilities and seniors in an increasing circle of influence. Classes for children compliment what is taught at home and in school with facts and sensitivity.
Some of the following are ways that the programming has expanded:
Video conferencing from an in-house green screen studio is used in classrooms throughout the nation.
Installed interactive video game in the Great Hall that uses physical actions such as jumping and more for players to succeed.
To meet needs of busy families who want to incorporate healthy habits, staff have developed the weekly e-news note called Family Table. It includes a seasonal healthy recipe and tips on family topics such as puberty, bullying and a host of family strengthening tips. In April Marcia Crawford, Registered Dietitian and board member of the McMillen Center, was awarded the 2014 Kaleidoscope Award by the Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAND) for her work on the Family Table. The award recognizes community-based nutrition initiatives that have made a significant impact on community residents. To sign up for Family Table emails, click here.
Staff illustrated and published two books for children on dental care. “I Brush My Teeth” is a rhyming poem for young children that includes parental resources to guide learning at home. “I Need My Teeth” follows up for kids who are beginning to learn why brushing is important.
On June 19, the McMillen Center is planning a multi-level day of learning for parents, educators and community members called “Bullying and Ostracism.” They will bring in keynote speaker Kipling Williams, Professor of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University. He will talk about his study of how ostracism or being ignored and rejected affects individuals. The day will include breakout sessions lead by local experts, and a screening of a documentary film based on Williams’ research called “Reject.” Attendees can chose to attend the entire program or select features a la carte. For ticketing information, visit this page of the McMillen website.
To learn more about programming available through the McMillen Center for Health Education, visit McMillenCenter.org or call 260-456-4511.
