The Virtual Health Office
Summer 2020
We have made it to the home stretch of the school year. The CUSD school nurses have been meeting together on a regular basis. We are screening information coming from Butte County Public Health, California Department of Education, the CDC, and fellow school nurses in our area. We are looking at the latest laser thermometers that are available and watching for the newest guidance as we anticipate our next school year. As we wrap up our distance learning experience we would like to provide families with resources and information to stay healthy during the summer months. If you have any questions or health concerns contact the school nurse at your site (contact information at the bottom of this newsletter).
Continuing Care Throughout the Summer
PRIMARY CARE
As the pandemic continues to evolve, and healthcare settings are responding to unique situations in their communities, most providers are offering telehealth appointments, and taking necessary precautions such as separating existing appointments (i.e. seeing healthy patients in the mornings, and symptomatic patients in the afternoons). We encourage you to check in with your provider, and seek medical treatment if needed. If you do not already have established care provided is the most updated list of local providers accepting Anthem Blue Cross and California Health and Wellness: https://www.buttecounty.net/Portals/21/Nursing/Maternal_ChildHealth/CHDP/PhysicianProviders.pdf
DENTAL
CDC recognizes that dental settings may need to deliver non-emergency dental care. Providers in Butte County have started allowing visits for cleanings, etc. Providers are following CDC guidelines including telephone screening patients prior to visits, providing masks for patients, and extra cleaning and disinfecting precautions. We encourage you to check in with your dentist, and if you do not already have established care here is the most updated list of local providers accepting Anthem Blue Cross and California Health and Wellness: https://www.buttecounty.net/Portals/21/Nursing/Maternal_ChildHealth/CHDP/DentalProviders.pdf
VISION AND HEARING
Did your child receive a referral for vision or hearing follow up this school year? It is important for students who failed screenings to follow up with an eye doctor or Pediatrician, as difficulty can impact learning whether in the classroom or at home. Many doctors have began seeing patients, or are scheduling appointments months in advance. If possible, call and make an appointment for a later date if needed. If you need another copy of the vision or hearing letter that was sent home, or help getting new glasses if your student's were lost/broken theirs, please contact your school nurse. Provided is the most updated list of local providers accepting accepting Anthem Blue Cross and California Health and Wellness:
https://www.buttecounty.net/Portals/21/Nursing/Maternal_ChildHealth/CHDP/SpeechVisionHearing.pdf
Immunizations
Even with current school closures, immunization requirements for admission to school or child care in California for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school year remain in place. Any updates will be posted here: https://www.shotsforschool.org/
CDC has just released guidance on maintaining immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/schedule-changes.html.
If your student is not current on immunizations you may receive a letter or phone call from CUSD. Most clinician's offices are open and encouraging immunizations, but many pharmacies have restricted or limited their hours. Butte County Public Health is administering immunizations with an appointment (call to schedule in Chico at (530)552-3959), and their services have been underutilized in the last 2 months. For an updated list of providers and their current immunization schedule please contact your school nurse.
Keeping Students and Families Fed!
Just because school is out does not mean meals end!
Nutrition Services will be providing FREE lunch to children 18 years and younger (they must be present to receive lunch). Lunch will be served from June 8-August 14, from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at:
Bidwell Junior
Chico Junior
Chapman Elementary
Citrus Elementary Schools
Little Chico Creek Elementary
Let's Celebrate Health!
We may be physically distanced, but we can still show support and spread awareness about health and conditions that impact your family and/or families in our district. Throughout the summer months mark your calendar with these health awareness events:
June: National Safety Month, Scoliosis Awareness Month, Family Health and Fitness Day (June 13th)
July: Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
August: Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, National Immunization Awareness Month
Contact your School Nurse!
Melanie Evans,
mgevans@chicousd.org: Shasta Elementary, Parkview Elementary, Bidwell Junior High
Bonnie Erickson, berickso@chicousd.org: Chico Junior High, Oakdale Elementary and Oakbridge
Julie Graber, jgraber@chicousd.org: Emma Wilson Elementary, Little Chico Creek Elementary, Hooker Oak Elementary
Michelle Neves Dean, mnevesdean@chicousd.org: Chico Senior High, McManus Elementary, Wildflower Elementary
Julie Scalet, jscalet@chicousd.org: Pleasant Valley High, Fairview, Sierra View Elementary
Julie Parker, jlparker@chicousd.org: Loma Vista, Marigold Elementary, Shasta Elementary
Cindy Steffen, csteffen@chicousd.org: Citrus Elementary, Rosedale Elementary, Chapman Elementary
Ann Scott, ascott@chicousd.org: Marsh Junior High, Neal Dow Elementary, Forest Ranch
Sherry Atkin, satkin@chicousd.org
