MetroWest Newsletter
April 01, 2020
In This Issue:
1. School Nurses in the News
2. CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage Link
3. MDPH COVID-19 Webpage Link
4. NASN COVID-19 Resource Page
5. World Health Organization COVID-19 Webpage Link
6. BUOY Online COVID-19 symptom checker for MA residents
7. CDC Health Alert Network
8. MA COVID-19 Text Message Notification System
9. MDPH Wellness Tips and Resources COVID-19
10. Health Professional Volunteer For COVID-19 Relief
11. Questions for the Group Section
12. Career Opportunities Section
13. Resource Section
- McLean School Nurse Liaison Project Newsletter April 2020
- Youth Health Connection Newsletter April 2020 First Edition
- Coronavirus Visual Tool
- Support for Your Emotional Health
- Samaritans
- Disaster Distress Helpline
- MDPH Infectious Disease Reporting and Immunization Resources:
- BU SHIELD Resources
- NEUSHA Trainings for School Nurses
- Free ServSafe Online Training
- COVID-19 Infographics
- MDPH School Health Services Information
- MDPH School Health Manual
- Massachusetts School Nurse Organization
- National Board for Certification of School Nurses
- MDPH School Health Services Regional Consultation Program Brochure
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.”
– Walt Whitman
School Nurses in the News:
*Please send me any school nurse leader or school nurse happenings that you would like me to highlight in future newsletters. It is great to share and hear stories about the wonderful work you are all doing!
Massachusetts has launched a new resource that residents can use to assess symptoms and find the right care.
CDC Health Alert Network Email Updates
Massachusetts Launches a COVID-19 Text Message Notification System
Text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 for Important Updates
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Wellness Tips and Resources
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be causing you or your loved ones to feel stress, anxiety, or other strong emotions. Such feelings are understandable and affect many individuals and families. The Department of Public Health continues to offer critical resources to help you and your family during this challenging time.
What Can I Do Every Day to Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety?
The following wellness tips are advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Connect with friends and family
- Tell them how you are feeling. Practice physical distancing while staying social virtually!
- Get moving
- Take walks, work out at home, and stretch. Try something new!
- Eat healthy
- Get plenty of fruits and vegetables (frozen options are great!) and watch your portion sizes. Avoid drugs and alcohol.
- Plan time for enjoyable activities
- Get creative! Avoid consuming too much media coverage, including social media.
Where Can I Find Resources to Help?
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Resources Resources and Phone Numbers:
Community Support Line (for families with children and youth with special health needs)
1-800-882-1435
877-785-2020 or 877-521-2601 (TTY)
MA Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program
See website for regional contact information
1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Mental Health Emergency/Crisis Services
1-877-382-1609
617-624-6100
1-800-426-1234
See website for regional contact information
1-800-327-5050
Call or Text: 1-877-870-HOPE (4673)
For additional information, please visit www.mass.gov/COVID19 or call 2-1-1.
*QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP*
*If you are seeking any information from your regional colleagues please let me know and your question(s) for the group will be included here. I can also send your question(s) to the other regional consultants to include in their newsletters to allow for further outreach.
Career Opportunities:
Milford Public Schools has the following position available:
School Nurse (Full-time)
Location: Woodland Elementary School
Start Date: August 24, 2020
Please download below form for complete description of this position. Click Here to apply on School Spring.
Resources for School Health Staff and Others:
McLean School Nurse Liaison Project Newsletter April 2020
*Download newsletter below:
Coronavirus Visual Tool to Assist Medical Professionals and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals
Massachusetts Commission for The Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) has created a Coronavirus Visual Tool to assist Medical Professionals and Deaf and hard of hearing individuals communicate better during medical appointments. Download both the pdf and instructions. Resources for communicating with deaf/HOH here.
Support for Your Emotional Health
Samaritans
The Disaster Distress Helpline
MDPH Infectious Disease Reporting and Immunization Resources:
INFECTIOUS DISEASE: ANY infectious disease question, report, or inquiry should be directed to the State Lab at (671)983-6800
NEUSHA Trainings for School Nurses
Northeastern University School Health Academy (NEUSHA) is located within Northeastern University School of Nursing, which is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)’s commission on accreditation. NEUSHprovides innovative face to face and online continuing nursing education to school nurses, counselors and administrators from 40 states, educating more than 7,000 learners since July 1st, 2016. We constantly evaluate professional development needs to provide valuable topics. We also frequently partner with other organizations within and outside of Northeastern to offer contact hours to all nurses.
Face to face trainings: https://neusha.org/visit-neusha/index.php/face-to-face-listings/
Online Programs: https://neusha.org/visit-neusha/index.php/online-program-list/
Infographics
Regional Consultant Program Brochure
Brochure contains MDPH School Health Unit and Regional Consultant contact information as well as describes the Regional Consultant Program.
*Download RC Program Brochure below:
THANK YOU for distributing this update to school nurses in your district/town! I will do my best to be available to you over the next several weeks. Be safe and healthy everyone!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jill Connolly, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN
MetroWest Regional School Nurse Consultant
Braintree Public Schools
jill.connolly@braintreeschools.org
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