Celebrate National School Nurse Day

To the editor:

On May 6, 2020, we recognize our school nurses by celebrating National School Nurse Day as a way to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting.

The theme this year is School Nurses: Supporting Students in Times of Crisis.

This year has been more challenging for everyone in the world with the COVID-19 global pandemic. As a school nurse at Wasilla Middle, whether I am present in my health room, or working virtually, I take on a variety of roles every day. For many children, I may still be the only health professional they may have access to regularly, except in emergencies. This becomes even more important as the prevalence of chronic social, emotional, and other health problems keep increasing. My role is essential for all students — in public health, in care coordination, in organizing access to resources to help address the social determinants of health, and in policy development, particularly to support the health and education of our students during this pandemic.

Our elected officials must invest in programs and services that improve the health and well-being outcomes of all children. As the MSBSD Superintendent Dr. Goyette and the school board make funding decisions for next year, I hope their budget reflects the right priorities – supporting school nurses and ensuring our children have a successful, productive, and healthy future.

— Wendy DeGraffenried, RN

School Nurse