District nurse reports nearly 4,000 visits and outlines medication administration program

Staca McCaulay, the district nurse, briefed the board on May 18 about health services, school-based medical support and the district’s medication administration program.

McCaulay said her role requires evidence-based practice and broad collaboration with teachers, administrative staff, counselors and community partners. She reported almost 4,000 health-related office visits through the end of April and said those numbers are likely underreported because of front-office logistics.

She highlighted the district’s medication administration program: John Long Middle School alone houses about 205 medications for nearly 140 students, and roughly 20% of district students receive medication management at school. Those medications range from over-the-counter pain management and asthma inhalers to emergency rescue medicines and controlled substances used for conditions such as ADHD; McCaulay described the district’s counting, storage and legal requirements and annual training for staff who assist with medication administration.

McCaulay emphasized the interdependence of nursing, front office staff and classroom teams to safely implement individualized health plans, IEPs and 504 plans, and she thanked community partners (Lions Club, local EMS, mental-health providers) who support screenings and services.

Board members responded positively and noted student-led mental-health presentations earlier in the year.