WHAT'S NEW

Council Executive Committee Welcomes Newest Members
The Council on School Health (COSH) congratulates Drs. Wendy Anderson and Jeffrey Okamoto on being elected to the COSH Executive Committee. Their terms were effective July 1, 2008. The COSH would also like to thank Drs. Harold Maglnick and Linda Grant for their service to the Council and Executive committee.

AAP Reafirms its Support of School Nurses
As more students enter school with health or mental health problems, the role of the school nurse becomes an important aspect of a child's overall health plan. School nurses provide a bridge between home, school and the pediatrician. Students today may face family crises, homelessness, immigration, poverty or violence, all of which can impact their health and ability to learn. Previous studies have shown that student outcomes are improved when a full-time school nurse is on staff. To support the role of school nurses and foster a relationship among school nurses, pediatricians and families, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a revised policy statement, "Role of the School Nurse in Providing School Health Services." The statement encourages pediatricians to establish a working relationship with school nurses who care for their patients and coordinate with school nurses to ensure children who need additional evaluations are referred appropriately. Pediatricians also can play an active role in supporting school nurses by serving on school wellness policy committees and emergency preparedness committees.