The latest NASN School Nurse podcast examines the article Suicide Prevention for School Communities: An Educational Initiative for Student Safety, appearing in the upcoming May 2018 edition of the NASN School Nurse. Learn more about this article by listening to the podcast. 

Tragically, a total of 151 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported for the 2017-2018 season thus far. Now that the flu is decreasing nationwide, it's time to start planning for next year. You can download the E-toolkit to learn more about what you can do to Keep Flu out of School. 

The theme this year, School Nurses: Advocates for 21st Century Student Health, reinforces the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice™ which helps direct school nurses to be in the forefront of promoting a culture of health in their communities. To help you promote National School Nurse Day, check out the NASN School Nurse Day webpage. Be sure to share your school nurse stories on social media by using #SND2018.

NASN recently convened the Strategy to Action Roundtable as part of a CDC funded cooperative agreement. The meeting goal was to translate strategies and best practice into action for school communities to provide effective care coordination for students with chronic health conditions. Participant perspectives were elicited to define 'care coordination' for the school community, and identify gaps and recommended strategies to create a student-centered system of care. The next steps include a white paper describing the meeting outcomes, and actual/proposed tools and resources to put strategies into action for school communities. For more information contact NASN's Director of Nursing Education Nichole Bobo at nbobo@nasn.org.

During its recent annual meeting, the Campaign for Dental Health highlighted Building Effective Statewide Teams for Fluoridation. The purpose of the meeting was to convene principal oral health representatives from states that are experiencing intense anti-fluoridation activity and, drawing upon the expertise of the Campaign and its partners around the country, share proactive approaches to promoting and defending community water fluoridation, including how to identify and rally additional influencers and supporters.

NASN is looking for a name for it's new uniform data initiative! The initiative focuses on the value of school nursing data to describe and advance student health locally, as well as nationally. We would like the name to describe and/or easily link to school nursing and student health, but be understood by those outside the profession. Access School Nurse Data to learn more about the contest and contest rules and to submit your ideas by May 9, 2018,,5:00 p.m., Eastern / 8:00 p.m., Pacific. 

This Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2018, the It Takes A Nurse  community is launching a video contest to highlight the unique ways nurses show their strengths. Just use your phone camera and share a short, compelling story to showcase how nurses build a culture of health, in any setting! Email your video to ItTakesANurse@gmail.com by April 24th ! Learn more .

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) is particularly common among people allergic to ragweed - some 36 million people in the U.S. - but it also affects people with other allergies. Researchers have identified specific foods that relate to birch, grasses, and ragweed. Read more about OAS.

To help increase awareness about this serious issue, SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention offers an updated fact sheet, Underage Drinking: Myths Versus Facts, specifically written for preteens and teens. This fact sheet compares common myths about alcohol use with the facts about the prevalence of alcohol use. Share this resource with your students to start the conversation and spread the word about underage drinking and alcohol misuse.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is continuing the message of Embrace Your Voice for Sexual Assault Awareness Month with some great resources. Learn how to have those Healthy Communications with Kids surrounding the topic of sexual violence with your students. Continue to educate your school community.

Medicaid reimbursements to schools support millions of students with disability and thousands of school health professionals in supporting the whole child. Through May 2018, the AFT will be collecting data snapshots from districts and partners. AFT hopes standardized data reporting may undergird important dialogue around the policy and practices that best support student health. Learn more with a 30-minute introductory webinar and email Chelsea Prax (cprax@aft.org) if interested in participating.

In her blog post, featured on the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases' NFID News, Dr. Lauri Hicks, director of the CDC Office of Antibiotic Stewardship said, "When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help, and the side effects could cause harm." Dr. Hicks' team has been at the forefront of efforts to facilitate conversations among healthcare professionals, patients, and the public about the importance of appropriate antibiotic use and combating the threat of antibiotic resistance.

In this Guest Editorial for Nursing Economics, NASN member Robin Cogan and school nurse in the Camden (New Jersey) City School District said, "My nursing activism drives my work as a school nurse in Camden, NJ, where poverty, community violence, toxic stress, trauma, and health inequity frames my students' and families' lived experience. My activism is amplified on a personal level since the recent events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where my niece is a student. ... As nurses, we can raise our voices in protest, activism, and advocacy. We bring compassion to our everyday contacts with those we serve."

The best part of attending a national conference is the relationships you build. Professional networking is easy when you are surrounded by trusted colleagues and you can bring your questions for expert presenters. Get to know the experts scheduled to present at NASN2018.

The early-bird registration deadline has been extended to Monday, April 23rd. Take advantage of this great rate and register today! Questions? Contact NASN at conference@nasn.org.

April 16-20, 2018 is recognized as National SISP Awareness Week 2018 to celebrate the contributions of SISP and the work they do to support students, schools, parents, and educators. SISP provide high quality, evidence-based prevention and intervention services to address barriers to educational success, ensure positive conditions for learning, and help all students achieve academically and ultimately become productive citizens. View the Who Are SISP Videos and learn more about the National Alliance of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (NASISP)! 

Every Kid Healthy is not just a sentiment; it's an annual week-long recognition of wellness achievements in school communities across the country. Celebrate by helping schools host fun and interactive health-promoting events. For more information about how to get involved and additional resources to help you plan an event, go to EveryKidHealthyWeek.org.

Strap on your helmets, raise your kickstands, and join the thousands of students, families, community partners, and elected officials all around the country who will be participating in this year's Bike to School Day on May 9th! Registration is now open on the Walk and Bike to School Day website.

Thursday, May 10, 2018, 4:00 - 5:00 P.M., Eastern
The Air Quality Flag Program shows the local air quality forecast and helps schools adjust outdoor activities to protect people's health, including those with asthma. Learn how the flag program helps students, teachers and staff be more aware of the air they breathe, how to check the daily air quality forecast and when and how to modify outdoor activities to reduce exposure to air pollution. Register today. 

This calendar includes upcoming events hosted by NASN, officially endorsed by NASN, and/or hosted by one of NASN's Affiliate school nurse organizations.  Access the calendar. 

This calendar lists special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Access the 2018 calendar.