At a glance
- The continued health care needs of students with chronic health conditions can be complex.
- Caring for such students includes both daily management and addressing potential emergencies.
- In-school services are critical to help these students stay healthy and ready to learn.
Overview
In the United States, more than 40% of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic health condition,1 such as asthma, obesity, other physical conditions, and behavior/learning problems
Asthma-friendly schools support policies that help students to successfully manage their asthma.
Students with diabetes need health services in school to help them stay healthy and ready to learn.
The entire school body can support students with epilepsy by learning seizure first aid.
People and places, such as schools, can help youth achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
School dental sealant programs are an effective way to reach millions of children to prevent cavities.
Resources
- Chronic Health Conditions in School Settings
- CDC Podcast on School Health Services
- Infographic: Mental Health of School Nurses in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic—Highlights from a national survey conducted March 7–30, 2022.
- School Health Profiles
- Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)
Content Source:
Division of Adolescent and School Health; National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- 1: National Survey of Children’s Health. NSCH 2018–19: Number of Current or Lifelong Health Conditions, Nationwide, Age in 3 Groups. Accessed February 24, 2021. childhealthdata.org