School Health

We support comprehensive school health, which is an integrated approach that gives students numerous opportunities to observe and learn positive health attitudes and behaviours.

Many staff of Western Health are actively involved in school health in all schools throughout the region. Community health nurses, social workers, addictions counselors, behavioral management specialists and others play a large role in promoting health and providing services directly to children, youth and their families. Other staff are involved on a consultative capacity, supporting policy development and liaising between the western school district and western health.

The following is a list of services provided to schools within the region:

• Support to the KinderStart program
• Hearing and vision screening, required follow up and referral
• The immunization program provides protection to targeted grades.
• Health Promotion;  to promote student health and well-being. Includes educational sessions, health fairs, school-wide initiatives, displays, skill development. Information provided to school staff, students and their families.
• Advocacy on behalf of staff, students, and their families.
• Promotion of supportive environments.
• Contributions to public policy for school environments.
• Support the model for coordination of services to children and youth.
• Counseling services.
• Communicable disease management.

For more information, contact Community Health Nursing locations.