Cuts in state funding for education and loss of local revenues have forced some school systems to eliminate programs such as school nurses and clinics. Fayette chose not to eliminate its health clinics and nurses noting that the service they provide is vital to the educational success of its students.

Fayette is fortunate to have a staffed clinic at each of its schools. Last year, over 140,000 students visited the clinics to receive care for illnesses, health conditions and injuries. The clinics also administered prescription and over the counter medications to over 1,300 students, as well as performed special procedures such as blood checks, catheterizations and tube feedings.

In order to have the supplies needed to care for the thousands of students expected to utilize the clinics this year, school health services is asking the community to donate items regularly used by the clinics. These include latex-free band-aides, facial tissue, small paper cups, antibiotic ointment, anti-itch lotion, cotton balls, antibacterial wipes, liquid soap, throat drops, sandwich baggies, ace wraps, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, cotton swabs, gauze, snacks and drink boxes.

Red donation barrels, marked with “Team Clinic, Together Everyone Can Achieve More,” will be in the lobby of each school, as well as at the Board of Education office and Building “D” of the LEC, August 10-21. Donations can be dropped off during school hours Monday-Friday at the school

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of school nurses in Georgia. Fayette’s school health program has made many accomplishments since its implementation including adding clinics at all of the high schools, developing an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) policy and guidelines and placing AED units in all school and central office buildings.