The Problem: Bringing Scalable Wellness Solutions to Underserved Schools
In rural regions like Western Kentucky, educators deeply care about supporting the whole child—physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, teachers are often stretched thin, and access to engaging, consistent wellness tools remains limited.
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville (BHDM) recognized this challenge and stepped in with a bold vision: to improve health outcomes for children across 20 rural counties by embedding daily movement and mindfulness into classrooms. Their commitment was not for a short-term intervention but for building something lasting. They partnered with GoNoodle to help bring this vision to life.
The Solution: A Long-Term Partnership Powered by GoNoodle
Since 2016, GoNoodle and BHDM have partnered to bring GoNoodle and SuperNoodle resources into schools at no cost to teachers or districts. What started as a small initiative has grown into a regional effort that now supports:
- 75 elementary schools across 20 counties
- Over 24,000 students and 1,000 teachers each semester
- Ongoing collaboration with BHDM’s community health team to host trainings, build momentum, and track results
This partnership is about more than just digital tools. GoNoodle’s short, joyful brain breaks are designed to increase energy, focus, and emotional regulation—and are easy for teachers to integrate into the day. Combined with BHDM’s local, hands-on support, the impact has been both meaningful and measurable.
The Impact: 102 Healthy Schools and Thousands of Healthier Kids
In Spring 2025, teachers participating in the program were surveyed to assess its reach and outcomes. The results were overwhelmingly positive:
- 97% said GoNoodle improved students’ physical activity
- 94% reported a stronger understanding of mindfulness practices in the classroom
In 2024, Western Kentucky led the nation in the number of “America’s Healthiest Schools,” with 102 schools earning the distinction. The GoNoodle + BHDM partnership played a key role in helping schools meet the movement and mindfulness criteria needed for recognition.
Beyond the classroom, BHDM integrated GoNoodle into community health training and regional sessions in collaboration with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Their efforts helped keep teachers engaged and the momentum went well beyond initial rollout.
Why It Works: Purpose, Trust, and Real Results
Kelcey Rutledge, who leads the Delta Rural Network Center at BHDM, shared:
“The ease of use in classrooms and detailed utilization feedback has been immense in increasing the appeal of our school wellness programming… GoNoodle has helped us entrench healthy habits into the psyches of Western Kentucky students.”
Her reflection captures the heart of this work—real tools, trusted partners, and sustained outcomes.
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Scalable Health Impact
This partnership serves as a business model for what’s possible when healthcare organizations and education platforms align around a shared mission. GoNoodle and BHDM are continuing to expand the program, learning from what’s working, and scaling to reach even more students.
Organizations focused on education and community health can contact us to start the conversation.
