Dana Reddick, RN, School Nurse for USD 417 Morris County Schools, has been formally recognized by the University of Kansas Medical Center for her exceptional commitment to improving the health of students and families in the district and throughout Morris County.

In a letter, the leadership team of the iAmHealthy Parents First (iAHPF) program commended Reddick for her three years of dedicated service supporting this free online healthy lifestyle program designed specifically for rural families.

“Mrs. Reddick is a true team player who consistently puts student health and wellbeing first,” said Tyson Eslinger, Superintendent of USD 417 Morris County Schools. “Her willingness to take on leadership roles and her genuine impact on student and family health demonstrates the kind of excellence we value in our district. We’re fortunate to have her dedication and collaborative spirit serving our students and community.”

The iAHPF program, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is the first randomized controlled trial in the world designed to examine the effectiveness of an integrated obesity treatment program for both adults and children in rural areas. The program teaches lifelong healthy habits to families in rural communities, which face higher rates of obesity and related health challenges than urban areas.

Over the past three years, Reddick has supported the program through active promotion, recruitment and referral of families to participate in iAHPF. She attends monthly collaborative meetings with other program leaders and serves as a member of the iAHPF statewide External Advisory Board, playing a crucial role in making the program successful and impactful in Kansas and throughout the entire Midwest region.

“Dana’s dedication, support and collaborative spirit are inspiring,” wrote the iAHPF leadership team in their recognition letter. “Her leadership involvement has created a positive impact on your school district and the Morris County communities, which should also be applauded.”

Mrs. Reddick serves the students of Council Grove Elementary School, Council Grove Junior/Senior High School, and Prairie Heights Elementary School in Alta Vista.