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NASN Government Affairs Update
Mary Louise Embrey announces she is leaving full-time employment to devote time to her new consulting business. Mary Louise established NASN's presence in government affairs when NASN moved to the Washington, DC area. Her advocacy and knowledge served NASN, school nurse and children well. While we will miss her full-time presence, Mary Louise will consult with NASN on specific projects.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/10/12
HHS/CDC Conducts NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), National Youth Fitness Survey (NYFS) will be collecting data on physical activity and fitness to provide an evaluation of the health and fitness of children in the U.S. ages 3 to 15. It is an opportunity to gain information about children's fitness level and to contribute to the understanding of the physical activity level of children and teens in the U.S. All are encouraged to participate. For more information, visit the NYFS website.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/10/12
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Needs Your Help
For 10 years, through the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, the MRC has been improving the lives of others in local communities throughout the nation. Volunteers engage in strengthening public health, emergency response and community resiliency through collaboration with departments of health, emergency management, police, first responders, community organizations, and other volunteer programs and local groups. MRC units work with local schools, health clinics, and hospitals to support public health education and prevention efforts that involve supporting large-scale immunization clinics and providing health screenings to underserved communities. To become involved, locate the MRC unit nearest you.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/04/12
American Lung Association (ALA) State of the Air 2012 Report
According to the ALA, progress has been made since reporting began 13 years ago. Despite progress, mostly accredited to the Clean Air Act measures designed to cleanup major air pollution sources, unhealthy levels of air pollution still exist. In some parts of the country, conditions have worsened. Too many children, people with asthma and seniors remain threatened by polluted air. Access the full report.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/04/12
Vice President Biden Highlights the Importance of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
NASN Assistant Director of Government Affairs, Angela Shubert, represented NASN at an event highlighting the significance of VAWA, which is slated to be congressionally reauthorized this year. Vice President Biden, the original author of this legislation, reaffirmed the Administration's commitment to a comprehensive approach to reducing violence against women, including combating high rates of violence among teens and youth. Local and state government officials, members of the faith community, the American Indian community and the U.S. judicial system discussed progress made in protecting women through this landmark federal legislation. Attorney General Eric Holder and Senior Advisor to President Obama, Valerie Jarrett, also participated in the event.
Get more information.
Access the accomplishments fact sheet.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/27/12
Chronic Absenteeism and School Health Policy Forum
The Elev8 Baltimore and Baltimore Student Attendance Campaign hosted a meeting of nearly 40 local stakeholders to discuss the correlation between school-based health care and chronic absenteeism. NASN’s Assistant Director of Government Affairs, Angela Shubert, participated in this strategic conversation centering on improving educational and social outcomes for middle grade youth and their families. Read the report, State of Chronic Absenteeism and School Health: A Preliminary Review for the Baltimore Community.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/27/12
Anti-Bully Movie Important Conversation Starter
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, represented NASN at the pre-screening program held at the National Education Agency. Federal education officials and student advocacy organizations joined the film director, Lee Hirsch, for the film screening followed by a panel discussion, which included Bully parent Jackie Libby. Learn more about the movie and the Bully Project Movement.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/27/12
Comparative Effectiveness Research and Engagement Opportunities for Improved Patient Outcomes
Executive Director Donna Mazyck, Director of Government Affairs Mary Louise Embrey, and Susan Kohl Malone, NASN member from NJ, represented NASN at a Sanofi’s Partners in Patient Health meeting. A detailed discussion about why people should care about comparative effectiveness research and the critical role of the advocate voice were featured in the meeting. In addition, an overview of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) was included. Learn more about PCORI.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/27/12
Secretary Sebelius Announced the Creation of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)
As a new Operating Division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACL brings together the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability, and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities into a single agency. It supports cross-cutting initiatives and efforts focused on the unique needs of individual groups, such as children with developmental disabilities or seniors who need assistance to continue to live in their communities. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/19/12
National Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health Public Stakeholder Meeting
Assistant Director of Government Affairs, Angela Shubert, represented NASN at the multi-day public meeting of the Advisory Group, which was established as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). President Obama appointed a diverse selection of licensed health professionals to be advisory members. The ACA tasks the Advisory Group with developing policy and program recommendations related to the National Prevention Strategy and advising the National Prevention Council on lifestyle-based chronic disease prevention and management, integrative health care practices, and health promotion. Learn more about the Group. Read the National Prevention Strategy.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/19/12
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled a 2012 National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day for Saturday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You are encouraged to use this opportunity to inform your school community about safely disposing accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs. Learn more on how to participate in the take-back day. Get information and resources from NASN, including a free school toolkit for the prevention of prescription drug abuse.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/12/12
County Health Rankings Published by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
These Rankings measure the health of every county in the United States. They illustrate how factors such as education, income, access to healthy foods, and air quality - factors that influence health outside of the doctor's office - play a major role with respect to how long and how well people live. In addition, the Roadmaps to Health Community Grants are using the Rankings to mobilize stakeholders and coalitions to take action for better health across the nation.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/12/12
Making Healthy Living Easier -Community Transformation Grants Program (CTG)
CDC has an important prevention grant program operating in 49 states.
Become aware of where they are in your state.
Access a chart of state-by-state community health investments (including CTGs) for FY2011.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/05/12
Statement from Secretary Sebelius on National Public Health Week April 2012
This week, April 2-8, 2012 we observe the 16th National Public Health Week and join with communities across the nation in recognizing the many contributions of public health. From vaccinations and safe water to tobacco control and motor vehicle safety, public health is a critical element of our nation’s health care system. Read the press release. (HHS, 4/3)
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/05/12
HHS & Education Department Launch New 'Stop Bullying' Website
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education have launched a redesigned Stop Bullying website to encourage children, parents, teachers and communities to take action to stop and prevent bullying. The website has a map with information on state laws and policies and videos for young people, along with practical strategies for schools and communities to make sure that environments are safe. It also includes suggestions on how parents can discuss bullying with their children and information on the dangers of cyberbullying and ways to prevent it.
http://www.stopbullying.gov/laws/key-components/index.html
http://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/groups/special-needs/
http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/how-to-report/index.html
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 04/05/12
U.S. DoED Wants to Learn About School Nurses Involvement in Turnaround Schools
As a result of an NASN/NAPSO meeting with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jason Snyder, NASN is gathering real-life examples of how school nurses are team members in turnaround schools. Please include information on additional nurse positions and nurses conducting professional development sessions for school teams as part of school improvement. You are encouraged to "Share Your Story" to explain what you know about schools included in the federal School Improvement Grants (SIG) program and/or other schools participating in a turnaround. Learn more about turnaround schools and SIGs, including a map pointing with state-by-state information. Access an interactive map listing the 831 grantees.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/29/12
NASN Invited to White House Event Honoring Affordable Care Act Champions of Change
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs attended the March 21st event honoring ordinary people making a difference in the health care of many Americans. A nurse practitioner was among the honorees, and nurses in general were highlighted for their commitment to improving healthcare. The speakers included White House officials, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Mary Wakefield, the highest-ranking nurse in the Administration (Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration). For more, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/29/12
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs 2011 School Crime and Safety Report
The Bureau of Justice Statistics has released, "Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2011," a report that provides data on crime and safety at school from the perspective of students, teachers, and principals. It also provides crime and safety information for students' travel to and from school. The report highlights the most current detailed statistical information on the nature of crime in schools and school environments and responses to violence and crime at school.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/29/12
School Nurses Represented at the National Leadership Summit on School-Justice Partnerships: Keeping Kids in School and Out of Court
As NASN’s Director of Government Affairs and a NAPSO Co-Chair, Mary Louise Embrey served on the Summit planning team along with officials from the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice. At the Summit, held this month in New York City, Mary Louise moderated a workshop on the effectiveness of specialized instructional support personnel in addressing the needs of students most at risk for entering the juvenile justice system. Featured at the workshop were NASN Board Director for PA, Judith Morgitan, and school psychologist, Kelly Vaillancourt. The Summit was organized by the New York State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/22/12
Updated Information Available on the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has numerous one-pagers addressing areas of the ACA, including The Top Five Things You Need to Know. Important prevention items are woven throughout the documents.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/22/12
New Health Care Law Helps Young Adults Get and Keep Affordable Health Coverage
Prior to passage of the Affordable Care Act, young adults were much more likely to be uninsured and about twice as likely as older adults to lose private insurance coverage, according to a new report released by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Read the press release.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/22/12
U.S. DoED Wants to Learn About School Nurses’ Involvement in Turnaround Schools
As a result of an NASN/NAPSO meeting with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jason Snyder, NASN is gathering real-life examples of how school nurses are team members in turnaround schools. Please include information on additional nurse positions and nurses conducting professional development sessions for school teams as part of school improvement. You are encouraged "Share Your Story" to explain what you know about schools included in the federal School Improvement Grants (SIG) program and/or other schools participating in a turnaround. Learn more about turnaround schools and SIGs as well as access a map pointing with state-by-state information. Go to this interactive map listing the 831 grantees.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/29/12
NASN Invited to White House Event Honoring Affordable Care Act Champions of Change
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs attended the March 21st event honoring ordinary people making a difference in the health care of many Americans. A nurse practitioner was among the honorees, and nurses in general were highlighted for their commitment to improving healthcare. The speakers included White House officials, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Mary Wakefield, the highest-ranking nurse in the Administration (Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration). Learn more
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/29/12
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs 2011 School Crime and Safety Report
The Bureau of Justice Statistics has released, "Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2011," a report that provides data on crime and safety at school from the perspective of students, teachers, and principals. It also provides crime and safety information for students' travel to and from school. The report highlights the most current detailed statistical information on the nature of crime in schools and school environments and responses to violence and crime at school.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/29/12
Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) Language Included in House Majority ESEA Reauthorization Bill
On February 28, the House Education and the Workforce Committee "marked up" and approved by partisan vote two pieces of legislation that would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The bills, H.R. 3989 and H.R. 3990 include some of the SISP language reflected in NASN's legislative priorities. Ranking Minority Member George Miller (D-CA-7) offered a Democratic alternative to the bill, which also included SISP language; however, the amendment did not pass. It is unclear whether or when the bills will move to the House floor for debate.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/08/12
National Prescription Take-Back Day - April 28 - Sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
On Saturday, 4/28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m, DEA will be conducting its 4th take-back day. Communities are encouraged to safely dispose of accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs. In the past 13 months, DEA, and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed 995,185 pounds (498.5 tons) of medication from circulation. Check out the Take-Back banner, which provides links for "Law Enforcement Agencies" and the "Take-Back Day Partnership Toolbox." For the prevention of prescription drug abuse, check out NASN's Smart Moves, Smart Choices.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/08/12
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Releases K-12 School Environmental Health Program Guidelines for Public Comment
Unhealthy school environments can affect attendance, concentration and performance. EPA, with assistance from its federal partners and feedback from stakeholders, developed draft voluntary State K-12 School Environmental Health Program Guidelines. The guidelines are primarily intended to be used as a resource for the establishment of a state, tribal, or territorial K-12 school environmental health program. The EPA is requesting review of the draft guidelines and comments by April 13, 2012. Visit the EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection School's website to post your comments.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/08/12
More Americans Receiving Preventive Health Services
In 2011, approximately 54 million Americans, including children, received expanded coverage of at least some preventive services due to the Affordable Care Act. Review the newly released report and see how many children have been covered in your state.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/01/12
U.S. Department of Justice Launches Website To Improve Outcomes for At-Risk and Delinquent Girls
The National Girls Institute website is designed to better meet the needs of at-risk and delinquent girls, their families and the agencies and organizations that serve them. The institute is supported by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency through a grant from the Department's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Visit the website.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/01/12
U.S. DOJ and U.S. DoED Held a Listening Session on Supporting Good Discipline Practices in Schools
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, represented NASN at the invitation-only meeting to identify existing high-priority resources, tools, and training products needed to fill critical skills and knowledge gaps among schools. Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Michael Yudin and Acting Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Melodee Hanes listened to comments made by Mary Louise and colleagues in other areas of specialized instructional support personnel. The meeting served as a first step in working closely with school-based organizations around this issue. Learn more on the interdepartmental initiative addressing supportive school discipline.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 03/01/12
NASN Invited as Special Guests of the CADCA National Leadership Forum
Executive Director Donna Mazyck, Director of Government Affairs Mary Louise Embrey, and Program Manager Danielle Harris participated in the 23rd annual forum of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. NASN and the role of the school nurse have been recognized for their work in substance abuse prevention. Learn more about CADCA and check out NASN's site for content on drugs of abuse.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/23/12
School Nurse Convening Meeting
Donna Mazyck, Executive Director, Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, and Shirley Schantz, Nursing Education Director, represented NASN at the School Nurse Convening meeting, February 8, in Washington, DC., hosted by Healthy Schools Campaign and Trust for America’s Health, to discuss the need for a school nurse in every school and how to increase the support and resources available for school nursing from the health sector. Donna was a featured speaker. Other attendees included representatives from Health and Human Services and the Department of Education. School nurses from around the country attended and models for funding school health in Hopkins School District (Kentucky), San Jose School District (California) and the state of Colorado were presented.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/16/12
Local School Wellness Policy Implementation Success Story Nominations!
Has your school / district implemented a Local School Wellness Policy successfully? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would like to hear about it! The goal is to highlight schools / districts that have effectively implemented, monitored, and evaluated local school wellness policies (LWPs). Nominate your own school / district LWP Implementation Success Story! The deadline is March 9, 2012. Get the online application. The final collection of stories will be published through the CDC/DASH website. Please contact lwpsuccessstories@danya.com with questions.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/16/12
President Obama Announces FY 2013 Budget Blueprint
The Administration released its FY 2013 budget this week. It includes new education investments and encourages states, districts and schools to pursue bold reforms. Get a summary of the President's Education Budget. The President’s budget also recommends an increase for a Coordinated Chronic Disease Program to address obesity, nutrition, physical activity, diabetes, etc. Overall, the proposal cuts the CDC budget authority by more than $660 million below FY 2012 levels. It also cuts the Prevention and Public Health Fund by $4 billion over the next 10 years. Get an overview of the proposed HHS Budget.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/16/12
First Lady Unveils New Video Challenge to Promote Healthy Lifestyles for Kids
First Lady Michelle Obama announced a new challenge through her Let's Move! Campaign. The Communities on the Move video challenge invites faith-based, community, and other non-profits working with children to create short videos highlighting their participation in Let's Move! and efforts to reverse the trend of childhood obesity. The challenge recognizes community efforts that promote healthy lifestyles for kids in three areas: nutritious eating, physical activity and access to healthy, affordable foods. Winners will be invited to Washington, D.C. for a special Let's Move! event. Get more details.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/16/12
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) New Publication on IDEA and Section 504/A.D.A.
A National Update of Case Law 1998 to the Present under the IDEA and Section 504/A.D.A. by noted legal expert Perry Zirkel, has recently been published. This compendium of litigation will be helpful for anyone looking for the legal history of the case law under these three important civil rights laws with respect to educating children and youth with disabilities. Download a copy of this publication.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/09/12
U.S. Department of Education Seeking Potential Applicants to the Green Ribbon Schools Program
The intent of the award program is to encourage as many schools as possible to look at environmental impact, health and education in new ways and to make improvements where needed. Under the program's rules, states nominate their own schools. The application form is a little different in each state, so applicants should carefully review their nominating authority's requirements. Read more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/09/12
New Federal Report Finds Substance Abuse Rates Far Higher in Those With Mental Illness
A report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMHSA) finds that rates of substance abuse are far higher in people with mental illness. SAMHSA also found teenagers who experienced a major depressive episode in the past year had about twice the rate of illicit drug use compared with teens who had not experienced depression—37.2 percent versus 17.8 percent. The findings come from a survey of 67,500 people ages 12 and up. Read more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/09/12
NASN Board of Directors Making a Difference on Capitol Hill
January 31st marked NASN's annual Hill day. Equipped with appropriate materials and confidence, NASN Board Directors conducted Hill visits with the health and education staffers of their Senators and Representatives. Several Directors also met individually with their actual Members of Congress. Read NASN's 2012 Legislative Priorities and access advocacy tools and information in the Policy and Advocacy section of NASN's Web site.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/02/12
The Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act of 2012 Reintroduced in the United States Senate
S. 2047 was reintroduced by Sen. Charles Schumer on 1/31/12. School nurses now have current House and Senate bills that would create a pilot grant program allowing federal assistance for local educational agencies most in need of improving their ratio. School nurses are encouraged to show their support for the bills and ask parents, school colleagues and others to also request that their Members of Congress co-sponsor the legislation. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/02/12
CA Assembly Joint Resolution No. 24—Relative to the Federal Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act
NASN applauds the CA School Nurses Organization for encouraging the first of its kind state Joint Resolution in support of the federal ratio bills. The resolution urges the CA delegation (largest in the country) to sign on as cosponsors of the proposed federal Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act and further requests that the Congress and the President of the United States enact the federal Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act. If other states follow this innovative approach, a strong momentum will build for passage of the legislation. Read the resolution.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 02/02/12
NASN Invited to School Lunch Nutrition Event with the First Lady at a Virginia Elementary School
Assistant Director of Government Affairs, Angela Shubert, represented NASN at a special event featuring First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, announcing the U. S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) new and improved nutrition standards for school lunches. NASN was included because of the strong support school nurses provided for the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The standards represent the first major changes in school meals in more than 15 years. The First Lady and Secretary Vilsack spoke to parents, school staff (including the school nurse), and selected stakeholder groups at Parklawn Elementary School in Alexandria, VA. Later Mrs. Obama and Secretary Vilsack joined students in the cafeteria where the school's food service employees and celebrity cook Rachael Ray served a healthy, delicious meal that met the new and improved nutrition standards for school lunches.
Learn more about the standards.
Learn more about the event.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 01/26/12
Pediatrician Joseph Wright Addressed the Youth Online Safety Working Group
As an advisory member of the group, Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, joined federal officials and private sector organizations in addressing the impact of bullying on children's health. Dr. Wright is the Senior Vice President of the Children’s Advocacy Institute at Children's National Medical Center. Learn more about the advocacy work of Dr. Wright. In addition, the Health Resources and Services Administration now has additional anti-bullying resources geared to children as young as age 5. Review these free resources.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 01/26/12
School Nurses Featured in the Personnel Improvement Center Newsletter
NASN is an active member of the National Coalition on Personnel Shortages in Special Education and Related Services, which is a partner of the federally funded Personnel Improvement Center. Read "A Day in the Life of a School Nurse" written by NASN member Terry Hillen and learn more about the center and the coalition. Go now.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 01/26/12
National School Boards Association (NSBA) Releases New Food Allergy Policy Guide for Schools
"Safe at School and Ready to Learn: A Comprehensive Policy Guide for Protecting Students with Life-Threatening Food Allergies" was designed to help schools establish comprehensive policies and practices that support the safety, well-being, and academic success of students with life-threatening food allergies. It was funded by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is available for download through NSBA's food allergy webpage.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 01/19/12
NASN Participated in the Initial Meeting of the Conditions for Learning Coalition
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, and Angela Shubert, Assistant Director of Government Affairs, represented NASN in the newly established education and advocacy coalition. The coalition is providing outreach and education to the Congress to ensure that students have the opportunity to achieve academic success through school safety, health and wellness, and engagement.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 01/19/12
U.S. DoED School Improvement Grants (SIG) in the Fiscal Year 2012 Appropriations Congressional Agreement
Specialized instructional support personnel (SISP), who include school nurses, have been victorious in obtaining Congressional Report Language directing the U.S. DoED to require all schools receiving SIG funds to have a plan in place addressing the academic and non-academic needs of their students. Note the language about addressing individual student academic, behavioral, health, or social needs. The voices of school nurses and your SISP colleagues are being heard!
The conference report states: “The conferees note that many children in schools receiving SIG funds face myriad personal, familial, and community challenges (including poverty-related stressors), and these challenges follow students into their schools, often resulting in distracting, disruptive, and ineffective learning environments. Even the best school leaders and teachers cannot achieve optimal results unless poverty-related barriers to teaching, learning, and school organization are addressed and effective conditions for learning are established. These barriers to teaching and learning must be addressed in addition to in-school factors in order to achieve sustained academic success.”
It’s further stated that “The conferees direct the Department to require that all schools receiving SIG funds have a plan in place for addressing the academic and non-academic needs of their students, including improving the overall school climate where necessary, in addition to addressing factors such as the usage of time, instructional practices, and professional development and supports. The conferees expect the plan to assess and address as appropriate the mental health needs and interventions of the students at the school in an integrated manner within the overall turnaround strategy; related training and professional development for all staff that increase classroom efficacy such as classroom organization and management, including teachers and administrators; access to school-based counseling services; the development of school-based systems, such as teams, to identify and address individual student academic, behavioral, health, or social needs and to support a positive and developmentally appropriate school climate; and how parents, families and the community will be engaged in this and other aspects of the school turnaround process.”
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 01/12/12
HHS' SAMHSA'S National Survey on Drug Use and Health Survey (NSDUH)Indicates Early Marijuana or Alcohol Use Related to Later Substance Use Disorders
Findings from the NSDUH illustrate the need for early alcohol and drug prevention efforts. It is likely that early substance use is an indicator of a disposition to engage in a variety of high-risk behaviors, suggesting that prevention efforts that encompass the whole person may be more effective.
Learn more about the survey.
Check out NASN's resources for school nurses.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 01/12/12
Primatene Mist with Chlorofluorocarbons No Longer Available After Dec. 31, 2011
The Office of Special Health Issues at the Food and Drug Administration wants to make sure school nurses are aware of the discontinuation of Primatene Mist. Flyers for posting are available in English and Spanish or can be given out to students and parents. Please distribute as appropriate.
Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 01/06/12
U.S. DoED/HHS Awarded Nine States Race to The Top—Early Learning Challenge Grants to Help Build Statewide Systems of High Quality Early Education Programs
California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington will receive grant awards to create a holistic approach to early education. School nurses in those states can stress health services and promotion as implementation plans focus on what it takes to help put young children on the path of learning, opportunity, and success.
Learn more about the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 01/06/12
A New U.S. Dept. of Justice/Office of Justice Programs' Bulletin—"Bullying in Schools: An Overview"
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's bulletin examines the connection between different types and frequencies of bullying, truancy, and student achievement, and whether students’ engagement in school mediates these factors. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 01/06/12
Report from Trust for America's Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Ready or Not? Protecting The Public’s Health From Diseases, Disasters, And Bioterrorism
Ready or Not? finds that key programs that detect and respond to bioterrorism, new disease outbreaks and natural or accidental disasters are at risk due to federal and state budget cuts. The report examined the impact that cuts have had so far, in combination with upcoming budgets and have found that the Nation is at risk for losing even the most basic capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Get the full report.
Learn about NASN's live educational program SETT (School Emergency Triage Training).
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 12/22/11
NASN Featured on the Five Moms Site
Read NASN Board President Linda Davis-Alldritt's guest blog on the stop medicine abuse Website that features NASN's Smart Moves, Smart Choices initiative and Home to Homeroom initiative. Consider taking advantage of all the resources listed in this blog entry.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 12/22/11
The Personnel Improvement Center Features School Nurses and NASN Coalition Efforts
Check out the Personnel Improvement Center's Website and learn how they work to increase the nation's capacity to recruit, prepare and retain fully qualified special educators, early intervention and related service providers. School nurses and the work of the National Coalition on Personnel Shortages in Special Education & Related Services (NASN is an active participant) are currently featured.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 12/22/11
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin Holding Regional Meetings on the National Prevention Strategy
At a recent meeting held in Chicago, Dr. Benjamin called upon Americans (educators were specifically included) to promote a pledge to move health care away from a system focused on sickness and disease, to one focused on wellness and prevention -- http://profiles.communitycommons.org/nps/. Watch for information on additional regional meetings as they are scheduled.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 12/15/11
U.S. DoED Released an Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies
The report summarizes current approaches in the 46 states with anti-bullying laws and the 41 states that have created anti-bullying policies as models for schools. It addresses the extent to which states’ bullying laws and model policies contained the key components identified in guidance from the U.S. DoED. A follow-up study will aim to identify how state laws translate into practice at the school level.
Learn about more key findings and read the full report.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 12/15/11
USDA Awards Grants to States to Improve Kids' Nutrition Access During Summer
Under Secretary Kevin Concannon (speaker at NASN’s 2010 conference)recently announced significant investments in states and tribal areas across the country to test innovative ways to address a critical need – providing low-income children with access to healthy nutrition during the summer. Information about the programs can be found at www.fns.usda.gov. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 12/15/11
NASN Staff Met with FDA's Office of Special Health Issues
Two U.S. Public Health Service Corps nurses visited NASN for a dialogue about school nursing being one of the health professions with numerous linkages to the mission of FDA. The meeting was part of an ongoing follow-up to FDA's first annual conference for health professional organizations, which was attended by Executive Director Donna Mazyck and Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs. NASN members are encouraged to visit the health professionals Webpage and check out MedWatch and MedScape.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 12/15/11
U.S. DoED Released New Measures to Safeguard Student Privacy—Revised FERPA Regulations: An Overview for SEAs and LEAs
The new regulations are designed to safeguard student privacy while giving states the flexibility to share school data that can be helpful in judging the effectiveness of government investments in education.
The regulations strengthen the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) by protecting the safety of student information, increasing the Department’s ability to hold those who misuse or abuse student data accountable and ensuring taxpayer funds are invested wisely and effectively. The regulations were published in the Federal Register on December 2nd and are effective January 3, 2012.
Visit FPCO's Web site to view important documents released with the new regulations.
Access full regulation.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 12/08/11
Bullying and Cyber-bullying Data Available from the U.S. Dept. of ED
The National Center for Education Statistics recently released findings from the National Crime Victimization Survey: School Crime Supplement, 2009 on bullying and cyber-bullying. The survey collects information about student and school characteristics related to criminal victimization on a national level from a sample of approximately 4,300 students ages 12–18. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 12/01/11
Services, Training, Education and Policies to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking in Secondary Schools (STEP)
Grant Program Solicitation Coming from the U. S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women
The STEP program is designed to support middle and high schools to develop and implement effective training, services, prevention strategies, policies, and coordinated community responses for student victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Eligible Applicants are limited to: 1) Public, Charter, Tribal, or Nationally Accredited Private Middle or High Schools; 2) Schools administered by the Department of Defense; 3) Groups of middle and/or high schools (2 or more); or 4) School Districts. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 12/01/11
Justice Department Research Shows That School-Level Interventions Reduce Dating Violence by up to 50 Percent
The National Institute of Justice found school-level interventions reduced dating violence among middle school students by up to 50 percent in 30 New York City public schools. The study used a multi-level, randomized control trial to find out what is effective in preventing dating violence and sexual harassment among over 2,500 sixth- and seventh-grade students. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 11/17/11
New CDC Report Shows that the Number of Prescription Painkiller Deaths More Than Tripled in Last 10 Years
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said painkiller abuse and deaths are rising because the drugs are easier than ever to obtain. They cited the growth of "pill mills," clinics that prescribe opioids without first conducting medical exams, and "doctor shopping," or receiving multiple prescriptions from different doctors.
Read the report.
Get prescription drug abuse prevention resources.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 11/10/11
U.S. Dept. of Ed Secretary Duncan Releases New Report, "Sustainability Education Summit: Citizenship and Pathways for a Green Economy"
The report provides an overview of Summit activities and recommends ways to advance sustainability education throughout the country. Included is a set of recommendations from the summit. There is a discussion of ED's Green Ribbon Schools Program which will recognize K-12 schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement. View the report.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 11/10/11
New Report from the U.S. Dept. of Ed on Student Victimization in U.S. Schools
In the 2008–09 school year, about 3.9 percent of students ages 12 through 18 reported that they were victims of a crime at school according to a report released by the National Center for Education Statistics. The survey collects student reports of the presence of gangs and weapons and the availability of drugs and alcohol at school. It also looks at traditional and electronic bullying as well as fear and avoidance behaviors of crime victims and nonvictims at school. View the report.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 11/10/11
NASN Invited to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s First Annual Conference for Health Professional Organizations
Executive Director Donna Mazyck and Government Affairs Director Mary Louise Embrey participated in the conference and established linkages with FDA's Health Professional Liaison Program. FDA has agreed to conduct an in-depth "listening and learning" session with NASN staff to create an ongoing communication flow. Access FDA information designed for health professionals. Please note that FDA announced the OTC inhaler, Primatene Mist, will no longer be available after December 31, 2011. Get details.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 11/03/11
School Nursing Highlighted at a Congressional Briefing
Executive Director Donna Mazyck made a panel presentation, entitled "Schools + School Nurses = Safe and Healthy Students," to over 50 staffers from the House of Representatives and the Senate. The briefing was organized by Americans for Nursing Shortage Relief. Take a look at the members of the congressional nursing caucus, and if you don't see your Member of Congress, consider asking them to join.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 11/03/11
The Community Preventive Services Task Force Has Released Its First Annual Report to Congress
The report identified several "highest priority" topics for future review, including cardiovascular disease prevention and control; childhood and adult obesity prevention and control; promoting good nutrition; promoting physical activity; emergency preparedness and response; tobacco use prevention and cessation; and worksite health promotion. Read the report.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 11/03/11
NASN Participates in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Women's Health Stakeholder Meeting
Shirley Schantz, NASN Nursing Education Director, represented NASN at the FDA Office of Women's Health stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, in Washington, DC. This meeting brought together 25 nursing organizations to plan the strategy for the FDA OWH to enhance and expand their efforts. The FDA supports scientific research and collaboration with government agencies and national organization to sponsor scientific and consumer outreach efforts. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 11/03/11
Senate Education Committee Approved Bill to Overhaul "No Child Left Behind"
Mr. Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Ranking Minority Member Michael Enzi negotiated the bipartisan bill that they hope will pass through the Congress before the end of the year. It is a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Reauthorization Act (ESEA) of 2011. NASN worked with committee member Senator Mikulski to have school nurses added to the definition of what is now known as “specialized instructional support personnel.” The terminology change and the definition change is included in the bill which passed out of committee. These two changes have been ESEA-related priorities of NASN in recent years. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 10/27/11
NASN at White House to Honor Champions of Change Working to End Domestic Violence
On October 20, 2011, Executive Director Donna Mazyck and Government Affairs Director Mary Louise Embrey joined officials from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women in celebrating the work of students, survivors, law enforcement, program developers, and others in the area of addressing and preventing domestic violence, including teen dating violence. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 10/27/11
U.S. DoED Newly Formed Office of Safe and Healthy Students
Under a reorganization, the Office of Safe and Healthy Students has been established to work towards safe, supportive, and healthy schools so that children can learn and reach their full potential. The Department is committed to developing and deepening program and policy expertise in the program offices, especially in high-priority areas. The office is located within the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. For more information on the new office, click here. To sign up for the PREVENTIONED newsletter and listserv, click here.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 10/20/11
NASN Participated in the 28th Annual North Carolina School Nurse Conference
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, was a panelist for the closing plenary session focused on Healthy People 2020 objectives and state and national legislative and policy priorities related to school nursing. For more information, click here.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 10/20/11
State Legislation Addressing Teenage Cough Medicine Abuse
California Gov. Brown has signed into law legislation prohibiting the sale of Over the Counter (OTC) cold and cough medicine containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors. CA is the first state to enact a sales restriction to minors. Although DXM is a safe and effective ingredient in OTC cough and cold products, some teens abuse cough medicine with DXM to get high – as much as 25 to 50 times the recommended dose. Check out NASN's prevention effort for OTC abuse created in collaboration with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association – Home to Homeroom here.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 10/13/11
Student Health Advocacy Coalition (SHAC) Meeting
As a founder of SHAC, and a member of the steering committee, Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, represents NASN and continues to take a lead role in working with approximately 35 other organizations in advocating to the executive and legislative branches for better student health. The top two priority issues adopted by the group at the 10/4/11 meeting are the continuation of school health efforts in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that link with local education agencies; and student/school health inclusion in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act within the U.S. Dept. of Education.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 10/13/11
Committee for Education Funding (CEF) Legislative Conference and Gala
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, represented NASN at the annual legislative conference and Hill visits. Eight congressional leaders and a panel of former Members of Congress addressed the group about the current legislative issues facing education. Sen. Daniel Inouye and Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Dale Kildee were honored at the gala for their strong record in support of education. For more on CEF: http://cef.org/
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 10/13/11
Capitol Hill Briefing on Diabetes
Sarah Butler, Diabetes Education Director, represented NASN at a briefing for the Members of Congress and their staff who are part of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. Sarah emphasized to the group, including diabetes stakeholders, the positive impact school nurses have with children who have diabetes. The Entertainment Industries Council, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, sponsored the event to address diabetes communication and awareness efforts to improve the prevention and early detection of the disease.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 10/13/11
District Superintendents and the School Improvement Problem of Addressing Barriers to Learning
This September 2011 report from the UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools examines what superintendents think is hindering school improvement, and what some trailblazing superintendents are doing to be more productive. School nurses and other specialized instructional support personnel are recognized in the report. Click here for more on the Center.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 10/06/11
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Adolescent and School Health Released the 2010 School Health Profiles (Profiles) Survey Results
The Profiles surveys have been conducted every 2 years since 1996 by education and health agencies among middle and high school principals and lead health education teachers. Profiles monitors school health education requirements and content, physical education requirements, school health policies related to HIV infection/AIDS, tobacco-use prevention, nutrition, asthma management activities, and family and community involvement in school health programs. Click here for complete information: 2010 School Health Profiles (Profiles) survey results.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 09/29/11
New Affordable Care Act Initiative Helps Create Healthier Communities, Fight Chronic Disease
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced grants to 61 states and communities with over 120 million residents to fight chronic disease, which is the leading cause of death in Americans. Created by the Affordable Care Act, Community Transformation Grants help states and communities tackle the root causes of chronic disease such as smoking, poor diet and lack of physical activity. Click here to read more
Copyright 2011, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 09/29/11
NASN Attends Event at the Vice President's Residence in Washington, DC
NASN President Linda Davis-Alldritt and Government Affairs Director Mary Louise Embrey represented NASN at an event honoring the 17th anniversary of the Violence Against Women's Act. NASN was included in this invitation-only event because school nurses are now being recognized as vital members of the school team who respond to and help prevent dating violence and other types of violence against women. At NASN's 2011 national conference, the Principal Deputy Director of the Dept. of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women, Bea Hanson, addressed the attendees and called for school nurses' support in stopping the cycle of violence. Click here for a picture from the event. Click here for information on teen dating violence.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 09/22/11
NASN Meets with New Exec. Director of the NEA
NASN President Linda Davis-Alldritt and Government Affairs Director Mary Louise Embrey met with John Stocks at the National Education Association. He was interested to learn more about specialized instructional support personnel and their value to student success. He encouraged NASN involvement with NEA's public policy and publication departments and looks forward to working with Judith Morgitan, the NASN Director from Pennsylvania who serves as NASN's liaison to NEA. For more on the NEA, click here.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 09/22/11
Paid Sick Days Victory in Seattle!
On September 12th, after a tireless campaign that brought together workers, business leaders, lawmakers and advocates, Seattle City Council members voted 8-1 in support of a strong paid sick days standard for the city. Seattle has created a model that demonstrates that workers and businesses have shared interests and can work together to ensure workers’ access to paid sick days. With paid sick days being an NASN legislative priority, the work of the Seattle school nurses, including WA Board Director Robin Fleming, was greatly appreciated. Click here for more on paid sick days.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 09/22/11
Easy Way to Show Your Support for the Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act of 2011
Thanks to our partners at the American Federation of Teachers, a link http://www.nasn.org/PolicyAdvocacy/RatioImprovementBills is now available on NASN's page that enables everyone to write to your Representative in support of H.R. 2229. Let your Members of Congress know that school nurses help children learn better.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 09/01/11
Back to School Toolkit on Importance of Paid Sick Days
Newly released by our partners at the National Partnership for Women & Families, this toolkit provides school nurses and others everything necessary to promote one of NASN's legislative priorities – the passage of paid sick days legislation. Click here for the toolkit. For a blog entry highlighting school nurses, click here.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 09/01/11
$40 Million in Grants Awarded to Sign up Children for Health Coverage
Just in time for "back-to-school," the new U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services grants will help school nurses and others enroll children in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The two-year grants were awarded to 39 state agencies, community health centers, school-based organizations and non-profit groups in 23 states. For a list of grantees, click here.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 09/01/11
NASN Chosen for Multiple Presentations at the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools Conference
The August national conference: Making the Connection: Creating and Maintaining Conditions for Learning, held outside of Washington, DC, provided the opportunity for NASN to highlight the important role school nurses play in creating and maintaining a healthy and safe school climate. Click here to read more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 08/25/11
Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 Strengthens School Wellness Policies
USDA announced that effective the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, improvements included in the Act will be implemented. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will be updating the local wellness policy materials on the FNS Website. FNS is also working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Education to provide technical assistance on local wellness policies for local educational agencies, school food authorities, and State agencies.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 08/11/11
New Tool from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services - MAP-IT: A Guide To Using Healthy People 2020 in Your Community
The MAP-IT framework is designed for communities to plan and evaluate public health interventions to achieve Healthy People 2020 objectives. The guide can be found on Healthypeople.gov.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 08/11/11
2011 Annual Status Report from the National Prevention Council Released at the End of June by U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin
The National Prevention Council is focusing on implementation of their strategy by establishing action steps; determining methods to track implementation and progress; and establishing processes for continued input, including input from the public, stakeholders, and partners. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/28/11
U.S. ED's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools in Partnership with the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center Announced Set of Publications, Entitled "Success Stories"
Success Stories offer brief profiles of specific activities, tools, or strategies developed or utilized by school districts and could be replicated by other sites. These publications, including one that highlights training high school students in emergency response, are available online. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/28/11
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Created Principles of Prevention (POP) for Violence Prevention
POP is a free online violence prevention resource that Includes a course on suicide prevention. The portal also includes program planning resources and an online application for the creation of success stories. Get more information.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/28/11
U.S. Depts. of HHS & ED Announced New Investment in School-based Health Centers
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced awards of $95 million to 278 school-based health center programs across the country. Provided by the Affordable Care Act, the awards will help clinics expand and provide more health care services at schools nationwide. Get a list of grantees.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/28/11
U.S. DoED Announced a New Office of Safe and Healthy Students within the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
With the elimination of several programs administered by the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, the remaining programs critical to establishing safe, supportive, and healthy schools where children can learn and reach their full potential, are being moved to the new office. The Department has stated their commitment to maximize limited resources, while preserving their program focus, by developing and deepening program and policy expertise in high-priority areas.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/14/11
FDA Announced New Graphic Warning Labels for Cigarette Packs
Starting in September 2012, new text and graphic warnings will appear on cigarette packages. In addition, each warning will include the 1-800-QUIT-NOW quitline number, an important step advocated by public health organizations. These actions mark the first change in cigarette warnings in more than 25 years and are a significant advancement in communicating the dangers of smoking. Find warning labels. Read about the final rule.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/14/11
New Report Available: Local Health Department Job Losses and Program Cuts: Finding from January 2011 Survey and 2010 National Profile Study
The National Association of County and City Health Officials report found that "from 2008 to 2010, local health departments lost 29,000 jobs to layoffs and attrition, roughly 19 percent of the entire 2008 local health department workforce." Get a copy of the report .
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/14/11
U.S. DoED Addressing Schools on Bullying, Harassment and Equal Access Act
Click here to read Secretary Duncan's letter to schools and State Departments of Education alerting them to their obligations under Title IX to protect LGBT students from sexual harassment and gender-based harassment resulting from sex stereotypes.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/14/11
U.S. DoED Seeking Comments on Its Plan to Conduct an Analysis of School Bullying Laws and Policies
Comments are due by August 1, 2011. For complete information visit:
-- Comment request, 76 Fed. Reg. 31,944 (Jun. 2, 2011) --
-- Detailed description of proposed analysis --
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/14/11
School Nurses in the Nation's Capital
During NASN annual conference, approximately 500 school nurses descended on Capitol Hill to discuss NASN's legislative priorities. Legislators received two major messages from them: school nurses are making a positive impact on the health of students, and they vote. They were clearly a force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/14/11
2011 National Summit on Paid Sick Days and Paid Family Leave
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, was a panelist at the Summit to discuss school nurse involvement and success in advancing paid sick days legislation. The audience of approximately 200 advocates applauded NASN and the local school nurses who have made a tremendous impact in this important public health and social area of concern. Learn more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 07/14/11
Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act of 2011 is Reintroduced in the House
On June 16, 2011, The Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act of 2011 or H.R.2229 was reintroduced in the House by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY). The bill aims to make demonstration grants to eligible local educational agencies for the purpose of reducing the student-to-school nurse ratio in public schools. At this time, the bill has 9 co-sponsors and is under committee revision for consideration. Read more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 06/23/11
Rx Drug Misuse and Abuse among Adolescents: Examining Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs and NASN's Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant, was asked by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to participate in a small group of national leaders to provide SAMHSA with insight and experience on prescription drug abuse among adolescents. Learn more about NASN's Rx drug prevention program.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 06/16/11
A Huge Step Forward for Paid Sick Days
With the help of school nurses, CT is soon to become the first state to sign into law paid sick days legislation that ensures workers will be able to take paid time off to recover when they are sick or to care for a sick child or other family member. Passage of federal legislation (The Healthy Families Act) is one of NASN's legislative priorities. Read statements from national leaders, including NASN President Delack on the CT victory by clicking here. Get more information on paid sick days .
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 06/09/11
House Bill Focuses on Specialized Instructional Support Personnel
Congressman Loebsack’s bill - H.R. 1995 - would increase the capacity of states to identify and respond to the need for specialized instructional support services at the district level and promote comprehensive and coordinated delivery of specialized instructional support services. Also included is the creation of an Office of Specialized Instructional Support at the U.S. Dept. of ED (an NASN legislative priority).
Read Representative Loebsack's press release .
Read NASN's press release.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 06/09/11
NASN a Leader in the NAPSO Hill Day
As advocacy co-chair for the National Alliance of Pupil Services Organizations (NAPSO), Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, led a team of NAPSO members to the Hill to discuss the group's recommendations for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Within 5 hours, 15 strategic visits were conducted in the House and Senate. Learn more about NAPSO.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 06/09/11
Drug Endangered Children Awareness Event
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, participated in the event held at the Great Hall of the U.S. Department of Justice. Highlighted by the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, the Director of the White House Office of Drug Control Policy, and the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency was the work of the Task Force on Drug Endangered Children. Get more information.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 06/02/11
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Plan Submitted to Congress
CDC's plan is in response to the $740 million in cuts contained in the recently-passed Continuing Resolution (P.L. 112-10). Click here for a summary of the plan and a detailed table of programs, which reflects over an 11 percent cut in discretionary programs.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/19/11
CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Released a Video on the Impact of Salt
Check out the new video, Salt Matters, to learn the staggering facts about the sodium in our food, where it comes from, how it affects our health, and what we can do about it. It's available in three versions of varying length:
• Public service announcement (PSA) version (~2 minutes)
• Short version (~4 minutes)
• Extended version (~15 minutes)
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/19/11
USDA Guidance on Water and Milk Requirements in Schools
The guidance relates to provisions in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. School districts are encouraged to begin implementation of these requirements as soon as possible, but no later than the beginning of the School Year 2011-2012. A dvocates can support early implementation by working with school nutrition programs, school wellness councils, and other stakeholders to raise awareness, promote education efforts, and connect schools with best practice information on the new requirements. For more information, click here to read more.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/19/11
Prevention and Public Health Fund Provider Hill Day
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, participated with advocacy colleagues and practitioners on May 10th in a series of successful visits with Senate staffers to discuss the importance of the Fund for both clinical and community-based prevention, including school nursing. For more on how the Prevention Fund affects your state, click here.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/19/11
Children and Disasters Coalition Meeting
With the assistance of Mark Shriver, former Chair of the Commission on Children and Disasters, a coalition on children and disasters was reconstituted at a meeting held at the D.C. headquarters of Save the Children (Mark Shriver is Senior Vice President for U.S. Programs). The Commission has expired, and groups like NASN who support the need for our Nation to be prepared to address the special needs of children in disaster situations, have pledged to continue keeping the issue on the national agenda. Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, represents NASN on the coalition. Click here for more information.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/19/11
Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) Represented at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, joined colleagues from other SISP organizations on a workshop panel to discuss the role of SISP in supporting student achievement. The panel's recommendations for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, that will ensure sufficient, high quality services are available to help every student experience school success, were presented. Click here to learn more about CEC. For information on SISP visit: www.napso.org .
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/05/11
Healthy Media Commission for Positive Images of Women and Girls
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, attended a press conference announcing the new commission to spearhead an industry-wide commitment to promote positive images of girls and women in the media. Girl Scouts USA are leading the effort, and the commission is co-chaired by Actor Geena Davis and Deborah Taylor Tate, former FCC Commissioner. School nurses participated in "Healthy Media for Youth" summits across the country, which assisted in determining the direction of the commission. For more information, click here.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/05/11
Asthma Awareness Day on Capitol Hill
Mary Louise Embrey, Director of Government Affairs, participated in an event leading up to a Congressional Briefing and Allergy & Asthma Expo sponsored by The Allergy & Asthma Network: Mothers of Asthmatics. One of the messages to Congress is to ensure federally funded programs are patient-centered and grounded in the National Asthma Guidelines and National Food Allergy Guidelines. For more information, click here.
published to the NASN Weekly Digest 05/05/11
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