Slide V-1

Communicating Health Messages

  • Communicating with schools and school boards
  • Accessing the resources of national organizations
  • Dealing with the media
  • Case scenarios
Slide V-2

School Nurse

  • Communication points
    • School health service organization
    • Student health
    • Need for school health programs
    • Health education curricula in school
    • School administrator concerns
    • Evaluation of school health program
Slide V-3

School Administrator

  • Sets the tone and opinions for the school community
  • Links the school and the district office
  • Influences the physical, social, and educational environment of the school
  • Communicates with parents and community
Slide V-4

School Board Member

  • Volunteer status
  • Board operates as one unit
  • Guided by state and federal laws
  • Affected by local customs and attitudes
Slide V-5

Strategies for Working With School Boards

  • Meet to identify local health concerns.
  • Present a session on issues affecting children.
  • Offer to work to find solutions to local health and social problems .
Slide V-6

PTA

  • Volunteer organization that promotes health and education of children and families
  • Supports educational policies that foster close relationships among parents, schools, and communities
  • Policy directives approved annually by the board of directors
Slide V-7

National Organizations

  • National Association of School Nurses
  • American Association of School Administrators
  • National School Boards Association
  • National PTA
  • National Education Association - Health Education Network
  • American School Boards Association
Slide V-8

Importance of Media

  • Shape coverage of issues
  • Easy and widespread access to public
  • Can promote both pediatrics and health issues
Slide V-9

How to Be a Spokesperson

  • Be a professional resource.
  • Seize opportunities to work with the media.
  • Familiarize yourself with local media and reporters.
  • Be a link between the media and the public.
Slide V-10

Speaking on Behalf of Others

  • Remember you represent
    • Yourself
    • Patient
    • School
    • Local community
    • Pediatric profession and the Academy
Slide V-11

When Contacted by the Media

  • Identify objectives.
  • Speak from the audience's viewpoint.
  • Watch your language.
  • Strive for maximum impact.
  • Practice interviewing techniques.
Slide V-12

Case Scenario Sexuality Education:
Possible Strategies for the Pediatrician

  • Assemble a task force.
  • Provide community with access to curricula.
  • Know state mandates and local policies.
  • Provide facts for the media, not opinions.
  • Know current sexuality education.
Slide V-13

Case Scenario Asthma or Allergy in Schools: Possible Strategies for Pediatricians

  • Speak with school staff.
  • Research school's reputation.
  • Know the legal aspects of the case.
  • Use medical expertise.
  • Welcome open discussions and all parties.
  • Do not overestimate your influence.
Slide V-14

Case Scenario ADHD and Ritalin: Possible Strategies for the Pediatrician

  • Obtain the opinion of health professional with long-term relationship with family.
  • Gather all information for any decisions.
  • Obtain parental release before contacting school staff.
  • Understand the school psychologist's role.
  • Educate parties about the use of Ritalin.