Healthy Students are Better Learners: School Public Health Nurses use innovation to provide population-based care for school age youth in Minnesota

The number of children that have a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, obesity and mental health has increased dramatically over the past four decades and can have a huge influence in the student's ability to be in school and ready to learn. The school public health nurse serves in a pivotal role to provide expertise to assess the needs of the school age population, assure access to health services, to promote health education and promote policies that promote a healthy learning environment. They serve as a liaison between school personnel, families, and the community to assure a holistic approach which incorporates the physical, emotional, mental and social health needs of the students. In addition, the school public health nurses are able to draw upon other resources within public health (Statewide Health Improvement Plan-SHIP, Coordinated School Health, Communities Putting Prevention to Work-CPPW, Tobacco Prevention programs) to address the broader health issues of this population. With this collaboration, school nutrition policies have been improved, school community gardens/orchards have been started, Safe Routes to School, bike riding curriculum and Active Classroom programs have been initiated.