“An uneducated child cannot be healthy and an unhealthy child cannot be educated.”

These words from former Surgeon General M. Jocelyn Elders provides insight to the drive and the commitment of FirstHealth’s school nurses to the more than 12,200 school children in Moore County.

Our School Health Program contributes to the academic success, advancement of the well-being and the lifelong achievement of the school-aged child.

To this end, FirstHealth’s School Health Program facilitates positive student responses to normal development, promotes health and safety; intervenes with actual and potential health problems, provides case management services and actively collaborates with others to build student and family capacities for adaptation, self-management, self-advocacy and learning.

These services are based on the Centers for Disease Control’s model of Coordinated School Health Care. School nurses work daily to provide health education and secure a safe school environment as they assess and provide a resource for students with mental and social needs. They also address staff wellness issues, provide direct health care service, assist and promote good nutrition practice, and contribute to programs to promote physical activity while involving the entire family and community members to support the goals of student success.

Moore County Schools and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provide support for the Moore County School Health Program.

Call any of the 22 schools in the Moore County School System to reach any of the school nurses or contact the School Health Program at (910) 715-1569 or toll-free at (800) 342-2255.