Each year, approximately 6 to 12 million children between 3 and 12 years of age are infested with head lice. Because head lice infestations are a concern to schools nationwide, the NASN has launched a campaign, S.C.R.A.T.C.H. (School and Community Resources to Avoid and Take Control of Head Lice). The program is designed to educate school nurses, parents, students and the general public about the prevention and control of head lice.
 
Components of the S.C.R.A.T.C.H. program include Web-based educational resources, such as a fact sheet on head lice for school nurses and other school professionals; a slide kit on head lice prevention and management for school nurse presentations to school and community groups; and a “Dear Parent” letter and fact sheet with “frequently asked questions” for parents on this topic. All materials can be downloaded by using the links provided below.  

Campaign Resources:
 
Fact Sheet for School Nurses
 
Fact Sheet for Parents
 
PowerPoint Presentation:
  “Head Lice in Children: A Real Head Scratcher for the Community”
 
Parent Letter:
Word doc.
S.C.R.A.T.C.H. template
 
This program is supported through an educational grant to the National Association of School Nurses from Shionogi Pharma, Inc.

Other Resources from NASN

National Association of School Nurses. (2004). Position statement: Pediculosis in the School Community. Silver Spring, MD: Author