School health service programs (managed by the school nurse) have had to undergo rapid changes to meet the increased health needs of today's students. These needs stem from (a) increased stresses and time pressures on families, (b) students from newcomer communities who look to the school for services, (c) increased numbers of students with special health care needs, and (d) increasing recognition that the school provides opportunities to identify students with health risks. The session will include 7 components of the Massachusetts statewide plan: (a) setting standards, (b) reviewing and revising statutes and regulations, (c) promoting credentialing of school health personnel, (d) providing continuing education on subjects pertinent to school health, (e) implementing data systems, (f) exploring new models of service delivery, and (g) exploring reimbursement systems and new funding sources (including funds from the tobacco settlement). The session will include a strong focus on collaborative relationships, coordination of school health programs with the "formal" health care delivery system, and the need for advocacy.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to 1. Identify seven major components of a statewide plan and the importance of each to developing school health services. 2. Identify the collaborative relationships, advocacy groups required to implement it. 3. Describe potential funding sources, including the tobacco settlement
Keywords: School Health, Tobacco Settlement
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Massachusetts Department of Public Health
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.