NURSE’S STATION Little Drops of Water
...
Virginia M. Thompson, RN, MEd, MPH
What health professional has not fantasized about a sophisticated Madison Avenue campaign to glamorize their image and build a substantial base of support for school health programs? The realist knows that no commercially conceived approach will succeed like support built on a base of information about a local program and confidence in the local practitioner. Further, one big splash will not accomplish what little drops of water can achieve by constantly reminding a community of the value of health programs. Euch health professional can initiate some action which will contribute to a public understanding of the value of positive school health programs. Letters to the editor and/or comments on the editorial page of the local daily newspaper are read by many people. These messages can shape the opinion of the reader in a very subtle and effective way. Although competition for space on a large city daily may be discouraging, many writers have found that suburban weekly or neighborhood shopping papers are more receptive. Here is an example of a letter published in one of the largest newspapers in the country (circulation 760,100 daily.)
Public Gets Full Value in HISD Health Progrnm The Proposition 13 movement does not want to abolish government spending, only government waste. Waste is established through accountability, and an ounce of prevention costs a whole lot less than a pound of cure. With this in mind, the public sure gets its money’s worth in the Houston Independenf School District heatth program. Houston school nurses last year were proud to record an average of 97% compliance with immunization laws. These school nurses screened 90,819 children for vision and referred 5,952 to their choice of an eye specialist. They tested 73,994 for a possible hearing problem and referred 1.739 to a doctor. They record children observed, home visits, community visits, committee meetings and after-school classes attended. That h accountability. They don’t even log how many children they hug in the hallway. Here in the Houston area, the school nutse h called a child health advocate. She is accountable, not only for first aid and screening, but for anything that involves the health of the child in school or out. She has a goal of better health for each child and a better future for us all. She cannot wait for the crises of drug abuse, teen pregnancies, VD and the malnourished obese to get worse before she acts. School nurses have been professionals since Howard Jarvis was a boy; and they are ready, even anxious, for waste to be exposed so that public money can be spent where it was intended on those who really need it and on the prevention of the need for
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MARCH 1979
more of it. l a m proud to be one and proud to hove our children in a school system that values a good health program. (Molly Berger, RN)
Note that the letter relates to a current topic - tax reform. It is simple, informative, succinct, expresses a unique point of view, includes a little humor and reveals something of the personality of the writer. Think what such a letter each week would do to influence public opinion in favor of school health programs. Listening to radio talk shows is a popular pastime for commuters. Hosts of such shows are always seeking interesting guests who are knowledgeable. A guest cannot cover the total subject of school health but should zero in on a specific phase of it. Let the radio host know you are available and what particular subject you think might be interesting to the listeners. Present some startling (but actual) facts. “Did you know that in our city last year, five 12-year-old girls gave birth to a baby and that seven 18-year-old mothers had their fifth child?” How many inhabitants know such things about their town? Be prepared to relate some human interest stories, give examples of positive things the schools are doing
THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH
181
to help the population under discussion and point out the needs for future programming. The superintendent of schools may not be addicted to talk shows, but the local salesman hears and remembers some of its facts. He drops them in casual conversation with his wife who relates them at her P.T.A. Executive Committee meeting with deep concern. Some action may ensue; if not, nothing is lost, and some listeners have been informed about a serious problem which might not otherwise be aired. Physicians and other health professionals should constitute a strong body of support for school health programs. Yet too frequently they are uninformed and uninvolved. An Advisory Board might just be the communication network needed to inform this group. A few professionals who meet regularly, who know what programs are being conducted and who are informed of the results being achieved are in the best position to support school health programs in many quarters.
They can speak up with authority. Meetings of an Advisory Board have to be well-planned, brief and informative and must allow the participants to express their opinion on projected programs. Some wonderful and innovative ideas may come from a related field whose members have a similar perspective of health. School health programs need this cross fertilization. Such a relationship with the professional community is very satisfying. Although hearing about activities through an Advisory Board is informative, it is not as stimulating as being a participant in a school health program. Student nurses, medical and dental students have much to learn through school health experiences. Having seen effective programs, these students become earnest advocates. School health experiences for professional students require careful planning and, indeed, some staging. Many very dramatic and exciting things happen in school health. When they happen as a student observes, the best image
of school health is projected for a potentially influential population. Invite students to your best programs. Give them an assignment of responsibility in keeping with their objectives. Ask for an honest critique of the school health program. The thoughtful reports and suggestions will be amazing. One resident physician in ambulatory pediatrics wrote, “I now realize there is a world beyond this medical center, and I discovered through a home visit with the school nurse why mothers do not keep clinic appointments at 8 A.M. I’ll remember that, and I’ll also remember that the school nurse may be my best ally in working with families.” Take your million dollar public relations campaign! In this instance, grass roots efforts can be more effective. Little drops of water, Little grains of sand, Can build a mighty ocean, And a healthier land (with apologies).
PROFESSIONAL REFERRAL SERVICE HEALTH EDUCATOR - Assistant Professor, tenuretrack position available August 20, 1979 at the University of Northern Iowa. Doctoral degree and college teaching experience preferred. Primary teaching responsibilities in undergraduate courses in school and community health education. ,Person will be expected to participate in health program and curriculum development. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send application, vita, and three letters of recommendation by March 15, 1979 to Dennis Cryer, PH.D., Coordinator of Health Education, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATE ACTION EMPLOYER. WOMEN, HANDICAPPED PERSONS, MEMBERS OF MINORITY GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. 182
THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HEALTH EDUCATION - Doctoral degree in health education or related field required; primary teaching responsibilities at undergraduate and graduate levels in urban community health, mental health, and safety education; interest and ability in interacting with community health agencies is essential. Application deadline is March 15, 1979. Send applications and resumes to Dr. Jack Schendel, Dean, School of Health and Physical Education, Portland State University, Box 751, Portland, OR 97207. AA/EEO EMPLOYER.
MARCH 1979
...
Virginia M. Thompson, RN, MEd, MPH
What health professional has not fantasized about a sophisticated Madison Avenue campaign to glamorize their image and build a substantial base of support for school health programs? The realist knows that no commercially conceived approach will succeed like support built on a base of information about a local program and confidence in the local practitioner. Further, one big splash will not accomplish what little drops of water can achieve by constantly reminding a community of the value of health programs. Euch health professional can initiate some action which will contribute to a public understanding of the value of positive school health programs. Letters to the editor and/or comments on the editorial page of the local daily newspaper are read by many people. These messages can shape the opinion of the reader in a very subtle and effective way. Although competition for space on a large city daily may be discouraging, many writers have found that suburban weekly or neighborhood shopping papers are more receptive. Here is an example of a letter published in one of the largest newspapers in the country (circulation 760,100 daily.)
Public Gets Full Value in HISD Health Progrnm The Proposition 13 movement does not want to abolish government spending, only government waste. Waste is established through accountability, and an ounce of prevention costs a whole lot less than a pound of cure. With this in mind, the public sure gets its money’s worth in the Houston Independenf School District heatth program. Houston school nurses last year were proud to record an average of 97% compliance with immunization laws. These school nurses screened 90,819 children for vision and referred 5,952 to their choice of an eye specialist. They tested 73,994 for a possible hearing problem and referred 1.739 to a doctor. They record children observed, home visits, community visits, committee meetings and after-school classes attended. That h accountability. They don’t even log how many children they hug in the hallway. Here in the Houston area, the school nutse h called a child health advocate. She is accountable, not only for first aid and screening, but for anything that involves the health of the child in school or out. She has a goal of better health for each child and a better future for us all. She cannot wait for the crises of drug abuse, teen pregnancies, VD and the malnourished obese to get worse before she acts. School nurses have been professionals since Howard Jarvis was a boy; and they are ready, even anxious, for waste to be exposed so that public money can be spent where it was intended on those who really need it and on the prevention of the need for
-
MARCH 1979
more of it. l a m proud to be one and proud to hove our children in a school system that values a good health program. (Molly Berger, RN)
Note that the letter relates to a current topic - tax reform. It is simple, informative, succinct, expresses a unique point of view, includes a little humor and reveals something of the personality of the writer. Think what such a letter each week would do to influence public opinion in favor of school health programs. Listening to radio talk shows is a popular pastime for commuters. Hosts of such shows are always seeking interesting guests who are knowledgeable. A guest cannot cover the total subject of school health but should zero in on a specific phase of it. Let the radio host know you are available and what particular subject you think might be interesting to the listeners. Present some startling (but actual) facts. “Did you know that in our city last year, five 12-year-old girls gave birth to a baby and that seven 18-year-old mothers had their fifth child?” How many inhabitants know such things about their town? Be prepared to relate some human interest stories, give examples of positive things the schools are doing
THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH
181
to help the population under discussion and point out the needs for future programming. The superintendent of schools may not be addicted to talk shows, but the local salesman hears and remembers some of its facts. He drops them in casual conversation with his wife who relates them at her P.T.A. Executive Committee meeting with deep concern. Some action may ensue; if not, nothing is lost, and some listeners have been informed about a serious problem which might not otherwise be aired. Physicians and other health professionals should constitute a strong body of support for school health programs. Yet too frequently they are uninformed and uninvolved. An Advisory Board might just be the communication network needed to inform this group. A few professionals who meet regularly, who know what programs are being conducted and who are informed of the results being achieved are in the best position to support school health programs in many quarters.
They can speak up with authority. Meetings of an Advisory Board have to be well-planned, brief and informative and must allow the participants to express their opinion on projected programs. Some wonderful and innovative ideas may come from a related field whose members have a similar perspective of health. School health programs need this cross fertilization. Such a relationship with the professional community is very satisfying. Although hearing about activities through an Advisory Board is informative, it is not as stimulating as being a participant in a school health program. Student nurses, medical and dental students have much to learn through school health experiences. Having seen effective programs, these students become earnest advocates. School health experiences for professional students require careful planning and, indeed, some staging. Many very dramatic and exciting things happen in school health. When they happen as a student observes, the best image
of school health is projected for a potentially influential population. Invite students to your best programs. Give them an assignment of responsibility in keeping with their objectives. Ask for an honest critique of the school health program. The thoughtful reports and suggestions will be amazing. One resident physician in ambulatory pediatrics wrote, “I now realize there is a world beyond this medical center, and I discovered through a home visit with the school nurse why mothers do not keep clinic appointments at 8 A.M. I’ll remember that, and I’ll also remember that the school nurse may be my best ally in working with families.” Take your million dollar public relations campaign! In this instance, grass roots efforts can be more effective. Little drops of water, Little grains of sand, Can build a mighty ocean, And a healthier land (with apologies).
PROFESSIONAL REFERRAL SERVICE HEALTH EDUCATOR - Assistant Professor, tenuretrack position available August 20, 1979 at the University of Northern Iowa. Doctoral degree and college teaching experience preferred. Primary teaching responsibilities in undergraduate courses in school and community health education. ,Person will be expected to participate in health program and curriculum development. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send application, vita, and three letters of recommendation by March 15, 1979 to Dennis Cryer, PH.D., Coordinator of Health Education, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATE ACTION EMPLOYER. WOMEN, HANDICAPPED PERSONS, MEMBERS OF MINORITY GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. 182
THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HEALTH EDUCATION - Doctoral degree in health education or related field required; primary teaching responsibilities at undergraduate and graduate levels in urban community health, mental health, and safety education; interest and ability in interacting with community health agencies is essential. Application deadline is March 15, 1979. Send applications and resumes to Dr. Jack Schendel, Dean, School of Health and Physical Education, Portland State University, Box 751, Portland, OR 97207. AA/EEO EMPLOYER.
MARCH 1979
