Since the early 1900s, St. Louis has been viewed as a racially and economically divided city. Locations such as the Delmar Divide have become recognized and publicly labeled for the visible segregation seen across either side of the street division. In addition to the challenges of crime, drugs and stability that families of these secluded neighborhoods face, they also become predisposed to poor health and face significant battles against minor ailments that should no longer be an issue to those living in such an advanced and developed country. The scarcity of resources or ignorant personal choices are often suggested as the causes of poor health for these low-income neighborhoods; food deserts, lack of recreational facilities, and individual unhealthy practices are typically identified as the areas in need of the most recourse. The assumption then becomes that the only solutions to these problems lie in the hands of government officials through policy reform and additional funding. While these factors do in part contribute to the declining health of low income populations, a strong argument can be made for long term solutions implemented through the education system. These programs can supply the knowledge of how to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and also serve as a mechanism to engage a community around a similar goal. Incorporation of health education programs can serve as not only solutions, but as preventative measures to ensure children are given guidance to independently lead mentally and physically healthy lifestyles.

Megan LoBianco would like to thank her faculty sponsor Heather Bednarek for their support of this project.