From Erin Hastert

Lafayette County Public Health Technician 

To the editor:

Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses. On May 8, 2019, we recognize our school nurses by celebrating National School Nurse Day as a way to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. 

The theme this year is School Nurses: Making the Grade on School Health. 

Today’s children face more chronic health illnesses (e.g. asthma, diabetes, food allergies, mental health, etc.) than ever before. Lafayette County Health Department school nurses take their role as licensed, professional school nurses very seriously. School nurses take on a variety of roles. For many children, the school nurse is the only health professional they may have access to, except in emergencies. This becomes even more important as the prevalence of chronic social, emotional, and other health problems keep increasing. 

There’s no real argument that healthier students are better learners. But evidence-based research in fields ranging from neuroscience and child development to epidemiology and public health support this idea. We must invest in programs and services that seek to improve the health and well-being outcomes of all children, ensuring our children have a successful, productive and healthy future. 

Please take a moment and acknowledge your local school nurse!