Health status can be predicted through the education a person receives, however public health officials rarely focus on this correlation.  By focusing on reducing the number of school dropouts especially among minorities, health outcomes could be drastically increased as more schooling is often associated with better housing, better medical care that comes along with jobs, healthier behavior choices and social support.  This article discusses the reasons for school dropouts such as substance abuse, pregnancy as well as some health interventions that could be of use to reduce the rate of dropout.  Some school-based interventions mentioned are health clinics, substance abuse prevention and treat programs, and pregnancy prevention programs that some schools may already offer but are not primarily focused on reducing the dropout rate. Since poor health is often an interference for children while receiving their education, the article mentions some recommendations that should be considered priorities in order to further benefit future generations.  These priorities include intense intervention in areas with high dropout rates, engaging students within the school climate, and reframing school dropouts as a health issue in which more action can be done.  

Article Citation:

Freudenberg, N., DrPH, & Ruglis, J. (2007). Reframing School Dropout as a Public Health              Issue. Preventing Chronic Disease Public Health Research, Practice, and Policy,4(4), 1-11.    Retrieved February 16, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2099272/pdf/PCD44A107.pdf.