School Nurses Making the Connection on Pandemic Flu

An audience of approximately 25 school nurses and a few administrators met in Kearney at ESU 10 on Dec. 1 to review a Pandemic Flu Action Kit for Schools, unveiled by a partnership of three public health districts: Two Rivers Public Health Department, Loup Basin Public Health Department, and Central District Health Department. The 1/2 day activity provided an opportunity not only for school nurses to meet together to think about pandemic flu (and all-hazards) preparedness, but also to hear from public health representatives about community-wide pandemic flu planning in the region.

As national-level planning proceeds and with it federal directives to states, it seems more and more likely that schools would be affected in major ways in pandemic response scenarios. An article in the Dec. 20 edition of the e-journal from Center for Health and Health Care in Schools, “School Closings Seen Likely in Influenza Pandemic,” reported increasing attention is being given to community containment interventions to reduce spread of illness in a pandemic situation. According to President Bush’s Assistant for Homeland Security and Terrorism, Frances Townsend, guidance will be released in January on interventions such as school closure and cancellation of public gatherings to promote social distancing. http://www.healthinschools.org/Educators-and-Families/Parents/Learn-Now/Pandemic-Flu-Planning-Checklist.aspx

As health care professionals with first-hand knowledge of the schools and the children and families we serve, it is imperative that school nurses take a role in community-wide pandemic flu planning. Connect with your administrators and share examples and tools developed for school settings. Find an example of a planning overview for schools posted at www.answers4families.org. For additional samples, contact Kathy Karsting, RN, at kathy.karsting@dhhs.ne.gov. Connect with your local health department and make use of their technical and professional assistance. Schools are an essential part of community infrastructure, and local health authorities need your expertise too. Find a directory and map of local health departments at http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/puh/oph/lhd.htm

When thinking about school preparedness, don’t overlook that effective community response also requires individual and family preparedness. How prepared are you? Find more resources and information to guide you at www.pandemicflu.gov. Get connected!