40+ Years of Trusted Health Education
2024-01-11 12:06:00 Curriculum Updates & Releases - News & Articles
For more than 40 years, the Michigan Model for Health™ (MMH) has helped educators give students the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices and build lifelong well-being.
What began as a Michigan health education initiative has grown into a nationally used K-12th grade curriculum trusted by educators across the country.
Take a quick look at how the Michigan Model for Health has grown and evolved over more than four decades.
A Legacy of Innovation
1980s | A Strong Foundation
- Michigan Model for Comprehensive School Health Education developed and published for K-12 students.
- University of Michigan research demonstrated positive results in reducing student alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.
- Recognized nationally as an exemplary program for preventing alcohol and other drug problems.
- Implemented in 387 school districts.
1990s | Growing Reach and Recognition
Michigan Model expanded beyond Michigan and became available nationally.- Pre-K, special education, parent, and additional health education resources were developed.
- The program earned recognition as a promising prevention program from the U.S. Department of Education.
- By the end of the decade, 93% of Michigan schools reported implementing the Michigan Model.
2000s | Expanding Comprehensive Health Education
Curriculum expanded and evolved to address emerging student health needs across K-12.- The program became known as the Michigan Model for Health™ (MMH).
- Research continued to demonstrate the effectiveness of MMH health education.
- MMH was recognized by CASEL as an evidence-based program meeting social and emotional learning competencies.
2010s | Evidence Meets Innovation
New content addressed emerging topics including mental health, relationships, vaping, prescription drug misuse, and opioid prevention.- MMH continued to strengthen its evidence base through research and evaluation.
- Online educator training expanded, providing new ways for educators to access professional learning and support.
- MMH began the transition from printed curriculum to a modern digital health education platform.
2020s | A Modern Curriculum for Today's Educators
MMH launched its comprehensive K-12 online curriculum, making lessons and resources easier for educators to access and use.- Digital instructional tools, assessments, videos, student resources, and lesson formats continued to expand.
- A new educator portal, online training, and support resources strengthened the MMH experience.
- Today, MMH continues to evolve with the needs of students and educators while maintaining its foundation in evidence-based health education.
Trusted by Educators
40+ years expertise
Evidence-based PreK-12 health education experience
40+ states nationwide
Relied on and meets national health education standards
243,000+ teachers
Trusted by teachers to meet health education needs
8.4+ million students
Skills-based learning resulting in positive health outcomes
The Story Continues
While technology and student needs have changed, MMH's commitment has remained the same: helping educators provide meaningful, skills-based health education that prepares students for healthier lives.
From its roots in Michigan classrooms to its reach across the country, the Michigan Model for Health continues to grow with educators and students.
More than 40 years of experience.
Millions of students reached.
A trusted partner for health education.
The Model for Healthy Kids
The Michigan Model for HealthTM is a nationally recognized, research-based comprehensive and sequential Pre-K through 12th grade health education curriculum. The MMH curriculum aims to give school-aged children and youth the knowledge and skills needed to practice and maintain healthy behaviors and lifestyles. It provides age-appropriate lessons addressing the most serious health challenges facing school children and youth.
Contact Us
Email our MMH support team at support@michiganmodelforhealth.org.