Children and teens in the U.S. spend 90% of their time indoors and on screens, averaging 7 hours of screen time a day and only 10 minutes outside. Studies show this is contributing to a physical and mental health crisis among today’s youth. This shift is contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation, especially among teens. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 5 U.S. children ages 3–17 has a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder.
The Winston Family Foundation is working to reverse this trend with the launch of Project One Health JAX, a new initiative that will invest $6 million over three years in Jacksonville to improve youth well-being by reducing screen time and connecting kids to the proven therapeutic benefits of nature – improving mood, boosting confidence, and supporting emotional regulation.
Project One Health JAX has awarded a total of $2.75 million in implementation grants to four Jacksonville nonprofits: Groundwork Jacksonville, LIFT JAX, LISC Jacksonville and the Partnership for Child Health. Groundwork Jacksonville (GWJax) is proud to be a founding community partner, focusing our work in the Brentwood community.
GW
Jax is partnering with 2nd Mile Ministries and area schools including KIPP Voice Academy and Minds of the Future Academy to get kids off screens and actively experiencing nature along the Emerald Trail through its “Nature Ranger” program for kids in 3rd-8th grades. The grant is enabling GWJax to create a nature hub along the S-Line at the Northern section of the Emerald Trail, complete with a micro forest, imaginative play area, and outdoor classroom.
New learning modules will be introduced weekly about topics like water quality, native birds, tree planting, pollinators, the role of insects, gardening, wildlife safety, team building, healthy eating and mind-body exercises. Youth will have fun with interactive and team activities including nature bingo, litter clean ups, scavenger hunts, journaling, bird watching, water sampling, pickleball, yoga, golf and planting community gardens. Families are encouraged to participate in a variety of community events along the trail.
For more information contact Project Manager Joni Alexandre at joni@groundworkjacksonville.org.