[MaineSchoolNurse] School Health Matters: Maine School Nurse Bulletin-April 2025

Tue Apr 8 13:42:54 EDT 2025

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School Health Matters: Maine School Nurse Bulletin
April 2025
Maine Department of Education

Highlights from the Field

Friday, March 14, 2025 the RSU 35 Teaching and Learning Team hosted a day of professional development. Eight nurses from York and one from Cumberland joined members of the Maine Department of Education’s Coordinated School Health team for a K-12 Nursing Curriculum Meeting at Marshwood High School. During this meeting, there were rich and engaging discussions. The school nurses in attendance brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with their peers. Participants received a copy of The Regulated Classroom (TRC), engaged in activities from TRC, and shared ideas on how activities from TRC may be incorporated within the health office to help regulate students as well as ourselves. A lesson in neurographic art was provided, and nurses were invited to create their own unique art piece. Neurographic art is a centering art technique, requiring minimal supplies, that could easily be brought to schools for students or staff to utilize.

Pamela Kay, the school nurse and Key Club Advisor at Saint Dominic Academy, worked with members of the Key Club to successfully host their annual Red Cross blood drive on March 18th in the school gymnasium. Student athletes, faculty, staff and parents were among the donors. They had close to 30 donors registered and collected a little over 20 pints of blood.

Pat Endsley, school nurse at Wells High School, has achieved the highest honor bestowed by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). She is one of only eight professionals nationwide to be inducted into the National Academy of School Nursing as a Fellow in 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates her exceptional contributions to both school nursing and NASN. Pat will be formally honored at the 2025 NASN Annual Conference in Austin, Texas. Congratulations, Pat!

Invitation

It’s not too late! NBCSN Study Group Spring Session begins May 5th. Join your school nurse regional liaisons in this 8-week free and informal group study session, in preparation for taking the national certification for school nursing (NCSN). We will discuss resources provided by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN), as well as some helpful tips and tricks. This group of interested registered school nurses will drive the subject matter focus, and format of group study.
Register for the Spring Session HERE.<https://www.maine.gov/doe/schoolsupports/schoolhealth/professionaldevelopment#calendar-6c6f22e1-033b-47cd-8ea3-0906acf8c9e4-event-lyq6ybj5>  Participants are welcome to join at any point.

Are you familiar with the Digital Maine Library? Wanting to locate current evidence-based articles on a specific topic and need more than what a Google Scholar search offers? You have access to a plethora of online journals and articles through our Maine State Library System.  Account set-up is free.
https://digitalmainelibrary.org/

Are you a school nurse working at the elementary level who participates in the annual hearing screening of students? Have you received evidence-based Pure Tone Audiometry Screener virtual training? If not, there are a few slots remaining that can use a coupon code to cover the $95 course cost for School Nurses working in Maine. If interested, please contact your school nurse regional liaison to receive your code today.  Chapter 45: Rule for Health Screenings in Maine Schools<https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/safeschools/healthed/nurseresources/carecoordination#:~:text=Chapter%2045%3A%20Rule%20for%20Health%20Screenings%20in%20Maine%20Schools%C2%A0>

In August 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a 2 mg neffy nasal spray for adult and pediatric patients weighing at least 66 pounds.
In March 2025, FDA approved a 1 mg neffy nasal spray for children<https://ir.ars-pharma.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ars-pharmaceuticals-announces-fda-approval-neffyr-1-mg> ages 4 and older weighing between 33 and 66 pounds. This device is expected to be available for prescription in May 2025.
neffyinSchools program<https://www.neffy.com/community-programs/>. All public and private K-12 schools in the U.S. are eligible to receive two cartons (four single doses) of neffy for free to use in emergencies. This program has launched! Because the definition used in Maine statute<https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/20-a/title20-Asec6305.html#:~:text=%22Epinephrine%20autoinjector%22%20means%20a%20single,Drug%20Administration%20for%20public%20use.> for epinephrine autoinjector says or "another single-use epinephrine delivery system approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for public use", Maine schools can participate so long as their standing order is written to include the neffy product.
Article: Allergy & Asthma Network: Epinephrine Nasal Spray to Treat Anaphylaxis...<https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/epinephrine-nasal-spray-for-anaphylaxis/>

Help families move more with the Let’s Go! Move More Challenge<https://www.mainehealth.org/lets-go/community-settings/parents-caregivers/join-move-more-challenge?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMABhZGlkAAAGCOlLrIQBHcj_GgYMJl-jF3En2Qu-Q5ouL2L4tXf9Brvs11JmhdZ8iZh8xg3GSzf8Sg_aem_dK82boae-fkoElu06bVSaQ&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id=6635301949116&utm_content=6635301949316&utm_term=6635301949516&utm_campaign=6635301949116>. Join the challenge to win a ticket to the 2025 Portland Sea Dogs game!
Learning to move gives children the ability, confidence, and desire to lead a healthy life. One hour or more of activity each day helps mental wellness, increases academic performance and improves sleep. You can break up the time throughout the day. There are all types of movement that count towards physical activity. Need ideas?<https://assets.mainehealth.io/s3fs-public/2024-02/Move-More.pdf> We’ve got them! 

Maine CDC has launched the “Don’t Let a Tick Make You Sick” Poster Contest. Posters will be accepted until April 30, 2025. One winner will be selected from each grades K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, and 6th-8th. One winning poster will become Maine CDC’s 2025 Lyme Disease Awareness poster. Visit Maine CDC’s Lyme Disease Awareness Month website<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/vector-borne/lyme/month/index.shtml> for more information, contest rules, and consent forms. Maine CDC created free downloadable school curriculum<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/school-curriculum/index.shtml> materials for students in 3rd-8th grades to learn about ticks. For more information about tickborne diseases in Maine, visit www.maine.gov/lyme.<http://www.maine.gov/lyme> For questions about the poster contest, contact megan.porter at maine.gov<mailto:megan.porter at maine.gov>.

Maine Needs was founded on the belief that the things you donate should reach the people that need them most, at no cost. Since 2020, they’ve distributed more than 906,000 essential items and filled more than 34,000 requests. Check out this community resource!
https://www.maineneeds.org/

Is there a school nurse in your community who is a true champion for immunization? The Maine Immunization Program invites you to nominate them for the prestigious 2025 Immunization Champion Award. This national award, presented by the Association of Immunization Managers, honors those who go above and beyond to protect their communities. Submit your nominations by May 9, 2025. Visit
https://www.immunizationmanagers.org/championsaward for more information.

Announcements

Maine has reported first pediatric influenza associated death for 2024-2025 influenza season.  You can read the complete Health Alert Network (HAN) notification here.<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/newhan.shtml> School Nurses not already registered to receive the HAN automatically, can do such at https://mainehan.org<https://mainehan.org/>. Click on Register, and work through each step to complete the process. When you arrive at Step 5 (Membership), the School Nurse option will be found under the Department of Education heading.

MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital hosted a Pediatric “Hot Topic” Grand Rounds on Measles titled, “Lessons We Learn From Measles” with Martin Ottolini, MD, MEd, Col (ret), USAF, MC, Professor of Pediatrics, Asst. Dean for Student Research, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. It can be viewed on Vimeo at:  https://vimeo.com/showcase/11067358

CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory: Expanding Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico and Guidance for the Upcoming Travel Season<https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00522.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_486-DM145546&ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20522%20-%20Health%20Advisory%20(for%20COCA%20partners)&deliveryName=USCDC_486-DM145546> (March 7, 2025)
John Hopkins has a detailed Measles tracker: 2025 US Measles Map<https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/dd314001921f4d2eac160f89ded0b49a>
CNN has a tracker<https://www.cnn.com/health/measles-cases-us-dg/index.html> of US measles cases this year in each state which they are updating weekly.
Maine CDC webpage on Measles<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/vaccine/measles.shtml>
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has launched a comprehensive Measles Resources page<https://mmaap.mmsend.com/link.cfm?r=9__i6dvGloMKUqBnuZFsMw~~&pe=uZTN3F3Y7ah_mejB_xZdy7sZ6Qx45PAEKDlYHrJZlL01EtgaXXGve-0h55IcXEz3JzLMKBod0vw-CVdFxSnzOQ~~&t=-2o3D3cQ6nga-JiSqsOzTg~~> on Red Book Online, designed to serve as a hub for pediatricians seeking authoritative information on measles.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) sent out information recently on the topic of bird flu. Please go to the this link<https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/3d654bb> to learn more and if interested, subscribe to their newsletter.

Are you familiar with the Maine CDC School Health Manual<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/shm/index.shtml>? This resource contains a number of fact sheets available for various diseases. Most recent fact sheet updates include novel influenza, tuberculosis, cyclosporiasis, salmonella, and shiga toxin-producing E.-coli (SHEC).   The Communicable Disease Quick Guide<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/shm/Communicable-Diseases-Quick-Guide.pdf> is also located on this site.

Recently the Office for Family Independence made updates to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) webpage<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement> and have recently added a SNAP Outreach section which includes three different outreach flyers and translations.

General SNAP Outreach Flyer (English) (pdf)<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20English.pdf>
العربية<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Arabic%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9.pdf> | Français<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20French%20Fran%C3%A7ais.pdf> | Español <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Spanish%20Espa%C3%B1ol.pdf>  | Português <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Portuguese%20Portugu%C3%AAs.pdf>  | Lingala<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Lingala.pdf> | Soomaali <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Somali%20Soomaali.pdf>  | Русский<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Russian%20%D0%A0%D1%83%D1%81%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9.pdf> | 简体中文<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Simplified%20Chinese%20%E7%AE%80%E4%BD%93%E4%B8%AD%E6%96%87.pdf> | Ti<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Vietnamese%20Ti%E1%BA%BFng%20Vi%E1%BB%87t.pdf>ếng Việ<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Vietnamese%20Ti%E1%BA%BFng%20Vi%E1%BB%87t.pdf>t <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Vietnamese%20Ti%E1%BA%BFng%20Vi%E1%BB%87t.pdf> | Kiswahili <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Swahili%20Kiswahili.pdf>  | ខ្មែរ<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Khmer%20%20%E1%9E%81%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%98%E1%9F%82%E1%9E%9A%20.pdf> | Kinyarwanda<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Outreach%20Flyer%20-%20Kinyarwanda.pdf>

SNAP Myth vs. Fact Outreach Flyer (English) (PDF)<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20English%203.13.25.pdf>
العربية<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Arabic%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9.pdf> | Français<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20French%20Fran%C3%A7ais.3.13.25pdf.pdf> | Español<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Spanish%20Espa%C3%B1ol%203.13.25.pdf> | Português <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Portuguese%20Portugu%C3%AAs.3.13.25pdf.pdf>  | Lingala<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Lingala.3.13.25.pdf> | Soomaali<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Somali%20Soomaali%203.13.25.pdf> | Русский<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Russian%20%D0%A0%D1%83%D1%81%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9.3.13.25.pdf> | 简体中文<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Simplified%20Chinese%20%E7%AE%80%E4%BD%93%E4%B8%AD%E6%96%87.3.13.25.pdf> | Tiếng Việt <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Vietnamese%20Ti%E1%BA%BFng%20Vi%E1%BB%87t.3.13.25pdf.pdf>  | Kiswahili<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Swahili%20Kiswahili%203.13.25.pdf> | ខ្មែរ<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Khmer%20%20%E1%9E%81%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%98%E1%9F%82%E1%9E%9A.3.13.25pdf.pdf> | Kinyarwanda<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/SNAP%20Myth%20vs.%20Fact%20-%20Kinyarwanda.3.13.25pdf.pdf>

Using your SNAP/ EBT Benefits Outreach Flyer (English) (PDF)<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20-%20English.3.24.25pdf.pdf>
العربية <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20-%20Arabic%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9.pdf.3.24.25.pdf> | Français<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20-%20French%20Fran%C3%A7ais.3.24.25.pdf> | Español<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20-%20Spanish%20Espa%C3%B1ol.3.24.25pdf.pdf> | Português<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20-%20Portuguese%20Portugu%C3%AAs.3.24.25pdf.pdf> | Lingala<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20-%20Lingala.3.24.25pdf.pdf> | Soomaali <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20-%20Somali%20Soomaali.3.24.25pdf.pdf> | Русский <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20-%20Russian%20%D0%A0%D1%83%D1%81%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9.3.24.25pdf.pdf> | 简体中文<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20benefits%20-%20Simplified%20Chinese%20%E7%AE%80%E4%BD%93%E4%B8%AD%E6%96%87.3.13.25.pdf> | Tiếng Việt <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20benefits%20-%20Vietnamese%20Ti%E1%BA%BFng%20Vi%E1%BB%87t.3.13.25.pdf> | Kiswahili<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20-%20Swahili%20Kiswahili.3.24.25pdf.pdf> | ខ្មែរ<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20benefits%20-%20Khmer%20%20%E1%9E%81%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%98%E1%9F%82%E1%9E%9A.pdf> <https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20benefits%20-%20Khmer%20%20%E1%9E%81%E1%9F%92%E1%9E%98%E1%9F%82%E1%9E%9A.pdf> | Kinyarwanda<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/Using%20SNAP%20EBT%20-%20Kinyarwanda.3.24.25pdf.pdf>

If you would like to receive printed copies of any material, reach out to SNAP Outreach Planner, Tobey Solomon-Auger at tobey.solomon-auger at maine.gov<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/tobey.solomon-auger@maine.gov>

Webinars and Upcoming Trainings

With the recently updated Concussion Management Policy and Resources<https://mailchi.mp/maine/cu5lemq6y0-1593599?e=d990143ad9>, the MaineHealth Pediatrics Grand Rounds Updated Recommendations in Sports-Related Concussion Care<https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/pediatrics_gr/51/> from June 2024 is a timely refresher on assessment tools and best practices for healthcare professionals.

Diagnosis and Management of West Nile Virus Infection: A Case-Based Approach<https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/990058?sso=true&uac=183060DZ&src=mkmcmr_driv_cust_mscpedu_250330-US-NURSE-02-990058-cta>
Upon completion of this activity, participants will:

  *
Have increased knowledge regarding the Transmission and Prevention of WNV
  *
Have greater competence related to Clinical management of WNV disease
  *
Demonstrate greater confidence in their ability to Diagnose WNV infection

Have families that need additional support? The Community Care Referral Form<https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/equity/community-care-referrals.shtml> helps connect people throughout Maine with community organizations to meet social service needs, including cultural and linguistic-specific needs.

School Health Services

We strive to fill the School Health Services Webpage<https://www.maine.gov/doe/index.php/schools/safeschools/healthed/nurseresources/guidelines> with all you need for your school nursing practice. If you find broken links, or have suggestions, reach out to Lori Huot @ lori.huot at maine.gov<mailto:lori.huot at maine.gov>. If you are unable to locate needed resources or guidance, reach out to your Regional School Nurse Liaison.

________________________________________

Tammy Diaz, MPH, RN, NCSN (she/her)
School Nurse Specialist - Coordinated School Health
Office of School and Student Supports
Maine Department of Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0023
Email: tammy.diaz at maine.gov<mailto:tammy.diaz at maine.gov>
Phone: 207-446-8213
Maine DOE<http://www.maine.gov/doe> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MaineDepartmentofEducation1/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/mdoenews> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/mainedepted/?hl=en> | Maine DOE Newsroom<https://mainedoenews.net/> | School Health Service Guidelines<https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/safeschools/healthed/nurseresources/guidelines>

[cid:6cc73314-e3ce-40b1-9c10-9d6e5eb8087a]       [cid:841f8e14-83ef-441f-982d-18b70cbedeba]

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