The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) expresses deep concern following today’s House vote to approve H.R. 1 the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill," which includes sweeping cuts to core safety-net programs including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
These programs are foundational to the health and well-being of children in the United States. Cuts of this magnitude will disproportionately impact low-income families and children with chronic health needs—many of whom rely on school nurses for care and support during the school day.
“School nurses will continue to do what they’ve always done—show up, care for students, and advocate fiercely for their needs,” said Terri Hinkley, EdD, MBA, BScN, RN, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of NASN. “But we cannot overlook the fact that stripping health and nutrition supports from families increases the barriers school nurses work every day to overcome.”
Cuts to Medicaid and CHIP directly threaten school-based health services,
while reductions in SNAP and WIC increase the risk of food insecurity and poor student health outcomes,
all of which affect school attendance and learning.
School nurses serve on the front lines of public health in schools—addressing chronic illness, providing care coordination, supporting mental health, and responding to emergencies. Cuts to Medicaid and CHIP directly threaten school-based health services, while reductions in SNAP and WIC increase the risk of food insecurity and poor student health outcomes, all of which affect school attendance and learning. “When children are healthy and well-nourished, they can focus, learn, and grow into adults who give back to their families and communities," Hinkley said.
While school nurses will continue to provide essential care with professionalism and compassion, NASN urges policymakers to reconsider any action that undermines the health infrastructure on which children and families depend. The cost of these cuts will be measured not only in budget lines but in missed school days, unaddressed health needs, and lost opportunities for millions of students.