School Nurse News
Southeast Region October 2019
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Welcome to Karen Robitaille, Director of School Health at MDPH School Health Unit! Karen started her position on Tuesday, October 15th! We are thrilled to have Karen taking on this critical position leading School Health and Nursing across the State! Karen will be very busy over the next several weeks as she completes the MDPH orientation and trainings.
Welcome back to Caitlin Pettengill, Assistant Director of School Health Services! Caitlin returned at the beginning of this week from maternity leave! Congratulations on the birth of her baby girl Emma!
All DPH nurse leader meetings are mandatory for CSHS Grant recipients
Tuesday, December 3, 2019- Westborough, MA 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
Thursday, March 5, 2020- Westbororough, MA 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
Thursday, May 21, 2020- Westborough, MA 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
All Regional Meetings are mandatory for CSHS recipients. But open to all:
Southeast Meetings -
Monday January 13, 2020 with a snow date of January 27, 2020
Monday March 30, 2020
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR SEPTEMBER MONTHLY REPORT:
https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/MonthlyReport-2020.survey
Questions related to CSHS mandated grant reporting should go to: dph_eshs_data@dph.state.ma.us
CSHS BUDGET QUESTIONS:
Questions related to CSHS budget and spending can be directed to Juliet Berk at juliet.berk1@state.ma.us
Vaping Information/Resources from Mary Cole, MPH, CHES, Program Coordinator, Greater Boston Tobacco-Free Community Partnership:
For middle and high school youth, DPH created a campaign about vaping, found at mass.gov/vaping. The campaign compares vapes and cigarettes: both put nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals in their body and both are highly addictive and dangerous for young people. Printed materials for youth including a handout, poster and mirror clings, are available at the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse (https://massclearinghouse.ehs.state.ma.us/category/Vaping.html) along with useful information for adults.
The vaping epidemic has led parents, schools and youth-serving organizations to struggle with how to help youth who are addicted to nicotine and want to quit. Now, two new free programs, This is Quitting powered by truth® and My Life, My Quit™, are available to help Massachusetts youth become nicotine- and tobacco-free.
Quitting vapes or other tobacco products can be hard. Here are some ways to help young people get the support they need:
- This is Quitting powered by truth® is a free and confidential texting program for young people who vape. Text “VapeFreeMass” to 88709. In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
- My Life, My Quit TM has youth coach specialists trained to help young people by phone or text. Young people can call or text "Start My Quit" to 855-891-9989 for free and confidential help or sign up online at mylifemyquit.com.
- Visit teen.smokefree.gov for tools and tips.
- Encourage young people to ask their school nurse or counselor, athletic coach, doctor, parent or other trusted adult for help.
- For more information, young people can visit mass.gov/vaping.
- More information for parents/adults is available at GetOutraged.org.
Conferences/Training Opportunities:
TOPICS:
- Are Children Getting Enough Sleep? Update on Pediatric Sleep Disorders.
- Empowering School Nurses In Supporting The Rights of Immigrant Families and Youth.
- Children with Special Health Care Needs: Parent Professional Collaboration.
*Download Registration Form Below.
RESPECTfully
RESPECTfully initiative (a statewide public awareness and prevention campaign to promote healthy relationships among middle and high school students)
Press release:
Materials:
QUESTION FROM COLLEAGUES
CGM
Has anyone made a protocol or procedure regarding CGM and would be willing to share?
Please forward to annlinehan@bpsma.org with subject line CGM
RN CASE MANAGER/CARE COORDINATOR
Do you have a RN case manager/care coordinator in your district?
Full time or part time?
How many students are on their caseload?
please respond to Missy Badger at: mbadger@naschools.net
Youth Health Connections Newsletter
Ann Linehan - Southeast Region School Nurse Consultant
Email: annlinehan@bpsma.org
Location: Brockton, MA
Phone: 508-580-7363