Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 25, 1994 TAG: 9407140047
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ROBERT FREIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
"Now, a lot of the kids go to a guidance counselor or don't go at all for fear of confidentiality," Barbara Mayo told the Radford School Board Thursday.
Currently, students dealing with such issues are referred to health care professionals outside the school, a situation Mayo said her committee believes is less than optimal.
"We've always felt there should be someone to provide counseling for teen-agers," she said.
Mayo also told the board that the Health Advisory Committee is "very disappointed" in the board's decision two months ago not to hire a full-time school nurse.
That position was sliced as a last-minute means to balance the school system's 1994-95 budget, a decision that drew sharp criticism from board Vice Chairman Chip Craig as dangerous and short-sighted.
Instead, Radford schools will obtain part-time nursing help during the next school year on a contract basis.
"Having contracted services instead of a full-time nurse is not an ideal situation," Mayo said.
School administrators asked the Health Care Advisory Committee several months ago to suggest priorities for the new contract nurse.
Mayo's committee report said the nurse should be responsible for tasks such as dispensing medication and handling student illnesses that are presently the responsibility of teachers, administrators and office staffs.
Also, the committee wants the nurse to get involved with health and family life education, record keeping, crisis referral and physical exams for athletes.
Some discussion occurred at the meeting about what additional low-cost or donated services might be available from local public health agencies to supplement the part-time nurse.
School administrators were directed to check it out and give a report at the next board meeting.
by CNB