ABOUT 4-H HEALTH HEROES

The Ohio 4-H Healthy Living program is spreading the word that young people can have a strong voice in advocating for healthy changes, not only individually, but also community-wide. At the 2016 National Youth Summit teens from around the state of Ohio developed action plans to make their communities healthier places. These individuals involved in the program are called 4-H Health Heroes.

4-H Health Heroes promote healthy eating, encourage people to engage in physical activities, and promote positive community change. Additionally, 4-H Health Heroes help Ohio 4-H accomplish the goals of the National 4-H Healthy Living Mission Mandate, which encourages youth and families to gain optimal physical, social, and emotional well-being.

BENEFITS OF BEING A 4-H HEALTH HERO

• Gain valuable leadership and communication skills
• Meet other 4-H youth from across Ohio who are invested in healthy living
• Leave a positive impact on your family, friends, and community
• Promote the 4th H!
• Be recognized at the 2020 Ohio 4-H Conference in March

EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE AS A 4-H HEALTH HERO

• Be currerntly enrolled in 4-H and in grades 7-12 at the beginning of the 2019-2020 academic school year.
• Be available to serve as a 4-H Health Hero from September 2019 through August 2020 (option to renew membership).
• Attend and actively participate in an all-day training session (see training dates and locations below).
• Be interested in learning about healthy eating, leading an active lifestyle, and other health-related topics.
• Be excited to teach others about nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and drug prevention.
• Be responsible and trustworthy.
• Be passionate about making a difference in your community.
• Keep up-to-date on 4-H Health Hero activities by consistently checking and responding to communication from Extension staff in a timely manner.
• Record activities conducted as a 4-H Health Hero and report to Extension staff.
• Actively share the message of Healthy Living within your local 4-H clubs and/or school clubs.
• Model healthy eating and physical activity to family, friends, and 4-H members.

Training Dates

• Central OH - Saturday, September 28, 2019, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus.
• Other locations and dates to be determined. Check back for updates later this summer.

Application: go.osu.edu/2019healthheroapp

Application will be available later this summer.

STATE-LEVEL 4-H HEALTH HERO OPPORTUNITY 

In addition to the requirements above, youth in grades 9-12 will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities to serve as a state-level Health Hero. More information will be given at the local trainings.

Additional responsibilities of a state-level 4-H Health Hero include: 

• Participate in face-to-face (in Columbus) and virtual meetings.
• Complete teaching and/or advocacy activities promoting healthy living at the state level and/or in your community.
• Participate in state events, such as the Ohio 4-H Conference, The Ohio State Fair, HealthU, new Health Hero trainings, and/or any other events identified by Extension staff.