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School nurse: 44% of students reported at least one chronic condition; district nursing program outlines trainings, screenings
Summary
The Fort Healthcare school nurse told the board that 44% of Jefferson students have at least one chronic health condition and described health services provided (vision/hearing screenings, medication administration, Seals on Wheels dental services worth $74,400).
The Fort Healthcare school nurse told the Jefferson School District board the nursing program supports students across seven partner districts and plays a central role in health education, emergency preparedness and individualized care coordination.
“School nursing is a specialized practice of nursing [that] protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success,” the nurse said, describing the program model and the network of services the nurse team provides to district students and staff.
Among the statistics presented, the nurse reported that district enrollment is 5,024 and that 44% of enrolled students have one or more chronic health conditions recorded with the district. She said the program conducts routine vision and hearing screenings (specified grades), provides staff training in medication administration and Stop the Bleed, and maintains stock emergency medications and protocols with medical oversight from Dr. Catherine Sweeney.
The nurse also summarized medication and self‑carry figures: “For the school year, 30 students were self‑carrying [in one building], 12 students were self‑carrying epinephrine, and two students were independent in diabetic care,” she said. She noted Seals on Wheels delivered more than $74,400 worth of preventive dental services for eligible students this year.
Board members asked clarifying questions about AED placement, insulin pumps and community dental referrals; the nurse said AED placement is balanced between school accessibility and community access for athletic events and that dental referrals are often coordinated locally through sliding‑scale providers.
The nurse outlined goals for the coming year — pursuing Stop the Bleed trainer certification, increasing middle‑school dental screening participation and adding an additional AED for the middle school — and thanked the board for continued support of school nursing in the district.
