Exploring the Role of Champions in the Facilitation and Implementation of a Whole-School Health Program

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore the role of local school champions in the facilitation and implementation of “The School Health Program”. This study is based on semi-structured interviews with 26 local school champions. The interviews focused on exploring key implementation responsibilities and barriers and facilitators to implement core program components. Champions identify coordination, promotion, and handling of support functions as key implementation tasks. The findings highlight organizational and structural factors that impact this type of implementation agent. Teachers functioning as champions can be central agents in the implementation of a whole-school program. Champions must, however, be supported by thorough organizational preparation, engaged leadership, and a well-defined distribution of roles.