April 14, 2008 Collaborative Forum


The Stakeholders Collaboration hosted its 12th Collaborative Forum on Monday, April 14, 2008.  The featured speaker was Dr. Roger Platt, Director of New York City's Office of School Health.  See below for additional information on the forum and presenters.

Building an Integrated School Health Program in New York City
Dr. Roger Platt, Director
Office of School Health, New York City Department of Education

Dr. Roger Platt spoke about building an integrated school health program, known as the Office of School Health (OSH), in New York City.  OSH, which originated in 2003, is a joint venture between NYC's Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).  Through OSH, the nation's largest school district has: 

  • Developed an Automated Student Health Record (ASHR) system, which allows for better record keeping of student demographic and health (including immunization) data
  • Integrated DOE's and DOHMH's school nursing workforce, which has improved productivity and morale among school nurses.  In New York City, every elementary school with >200 students has a full-time school nurse
  • Deployed 10 field health directors that work with the district's 1,500 principals to ensure that student health objectives (e.g., immunization compliance) are met.
  • Created key linkages with outside agencies.  For example through OSH, the Department of Education has immediate access to DOHMH units to help deal with key public health issues (e.g., MRSA).
  • Developed stronger professional oversight of school nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists.  For example in 2003, DOE had 4 supervisors and 1 nursing director for 500 staff nurses.  Currently, the department has 15 supervisors and 4 regional directors for 700 DOE-funded staff nurses.
  • In addition, OSH is working to tackle key student health issues, including: obesity, asthma, vision abnormalities, mental health and reproductive health.   

icon Building_an_Integrated_School_Health_Program_in_NY (985 KB)

She Said, She Said - Perspectives on the Development of an Intergovernmental School Health Partnership
Erica Salem, MPH, Assistant Commissioner
Chicago Department of Public Health

and

Teresa Garate, M.Ed, Chief of Staff
Office of Specialized Services, Chicago Public Schools 

Erica Salem and Teresa Garate spoke about a joint initiative between the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to develop a Medical Affairs Director position that will oversee school health within CPS.  The position is being funded by the Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute. 

While the Medical Affairs Director will be housed within CPS, reporting directly to the Chief of Staff of the CPS Chief Executive Officer, the position will have access to all relevant programs within CDPH.  According to Ms. Salem and Ms. Garate, CDPH and CPS have drafted an intergovernmental agreement for the position which identifies potential areas of collaboration on school health between the two agencies.  CDPH and CPS are currently working to finalize the agreement, which will need approval by the City Council and the Chicago Board of Education before a candidate selection process can begin.

In attendance for Ms. Salem's and Ms. Garate's presentation were Dr. Terry Mason, Commissioner of CDPH, Dr. Renee Grant-Mitchell, Chief Specialized Services Officer, and Bryan Samuels, Chief of Staff of CPS CEO Arne Duncan.   

Chicago Public Schools Update
Ken Papineau, Director of Coordinated School Health
Office of Specialized Services, Chicago Public Schools

Ken Papineau provided attendees with an update on the latest student health-related developments within CPS, including:

  • Public Act 095-0671; Section 5: Amending School Code Section 27-8.1, requires an eye examination for students in kindergarten or those enrolling for the first time in school. A proof of eye examination is required by October 15th. If the eye examination is documented, then the need for a vision screening is eliminated.
  • Give the Gift of Sight Foundation: From April 14th - 25th the Give the Gift of Sight Foundation will provide eye examinations and prescription eye glasses during the Chicago Children's Eye Clinic. It is anticipated that 5,000 children will be served during the two-week span. Partnering organizations include: Give the Gift of Sight/Luxottica Group, Communities in Schools of Chicago, and Lion's Club.
  • Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative: In August 2007, the U.S. Department of Education awarded CPS approximately $8.4 million over four years to implement the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative, which is comprised of CPS, the Chicago Police Department, the Illinois Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health, and the Juvenile Court of Cook County. The Initiative's mission is to promote safe, respectful and drug-free school environments that support healthy social and emotional development for all students attending 9 elementary and 4 high schools located in South Shore (Comm. Area 43).
  • CDC Award: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded CPS with $555,000. The five-year grant will be allocated as follows:
    $40,000 for conducting the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. With the new CDC funds, CPS will be able to survey high school students.
    $300,000 for HIV Prevention
    $215,000 for Asthma Management