Purpose of the School Health Services Program

The primary purpose of the School Health Services Program is to promote the physical and emotional health of students and staff thereby maximizing the educational process. School Health Services are intended to play an integral part in support of the health care provided by parents; indeed, the School Nurse often serves as the student's vital link to medical and other community resources.

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Adapted, and used with permission, from School Health: Policy and Practice ©1993. Committee on School Health, American Academy of Pediatrics, P.O. Box 927, 141 Northwest Point Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60009-0927

The goals of the School Health Services Program are to:

1. Facilitate students' access to a regular source of primary health care
2. Provide a system for expert handling of emergency medical situations
3. Provide mandated health screening programs and monitor or improve immunization status
4. Assist in the identification and resolution of students' health and educational problems
5. Ensure comprehensive and appropriate health education is provided
6. Promote a healthful and safe school environment which facilitates learning
7. Provide a system for evaluation of the effectiveness of the school health program

These goals form a framework for the development of specific program activities. A school needs-assessment and inventory of existing and potential community resources will identify priorities most crucial to each unique school district. The outcomes of an effective School Health Services Program should have measurable impact on students, staff, and community.