Closing the Wellness Gap: Distribution of Health & Wellness Resources to Families of High School Students During Summer Break

Closing the Wellness Gap Background: During summer break, when schools are closed, students in K-12 schools lose critical resources to support their social, emotional, and physical wellbeing. This project addresses the critical gap in rural Southeastern Washington, where schools act as the primary support system by providing activities, food security, and wellness services. Aim: Increase families’ awareness and confidence accessing resources to support students when schools are closed. Methods: To identify key resources a Community Resource Gap Questionnaire was distributed to families. Eight weekly community resource guides were shared electronically with families based on the top priorities identified in the questionnaire. Using a collaborative approach, the Model of Improvement and the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle monitored progress. Results: 66% of respondents reported increased confidence in accessing resources and an increased awareness of available resources with athletics and food options being the most notable. Impact: The project demonstrated the value of community collaboration to address resource gaps, offering a framework for future initiatives. These results suggest that continuous outreach and partnerships are vital for improving awareness and the accessibility of resources, reducing health disparities, and fostering greater community engagement year-round.