The first-ever Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence—an evidence-based, life-saving document—has been removed from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website. This was not just a document; it was a call to action, a public health roadmap designed to address one of the most pressing crises of our time. Now, it’s vanished, erased ..read more

  The Ad Council uses the power of storytelling as a catalyst for social change: The Ad Council’s mission is to convene the best storytellers to educate, unite and uplift—by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. We won’t stop until we live in a society where every single person can thrive. – Ad Council ..read more

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s vaccine research, conducted in fall 2024, provides valuable insights into effective vaccine communication strategies for schools. However, the recent appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services in February 2025 has significantly altered the landscape of vaccine policy and public health messaging in the ..read more

As school nurses, we have witnessed firsthand how funding uncertainty affects not just the health of our students but the health of our entire school communities. Today, I want to share my perspective on what it means to work in public education during these turbulent times, especially in light of the direct assault on the ..read more

  Silencing Science: NIH’s New Policy a Threat to Public Health The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the nation’s premier biomedical research agency, appears to be taking a dangerous turn toward political censorship. A recently revealed policy, as reported by ProPublica, instructs NIH personnel to flag specific research topics for heightened scrutiny. This move threatens ..read more

  Welcome to the inaugural episode of Beyond the Bandaids, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) new podcast that delves into the evolving challenges, triumphs, and advocacy efforts shaping the field of school nursing. Hosted by NASN CEO Terri Hinkley, EdD, MBA, BScN, RN, CAE, this monthly podcast is dedicated to empowering school nurses with ..read more

I’m pleased to announce my contribution to the “Ask a School Nurse” feature on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation website! This initiative provides a valuable platform for school nurses to share their expertise and offer practical, evidence-based advice to help schools, families, and communities protect children from infectious diseases. As school nurses, we have ..read more

  The world can be a sudden place. Take care of yourself. Take care of others around you. Take care of your heart! – Joan Boyd Short These words resonate deeply with me, as a school nurse, and as a woman navigating the complexities of our world. I’m struck by how perfectly the message illustrates ..read more

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rescinded key guidance on March 4, 2025, affecting Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for services addressing health-related social needs (HRSNs).  This action reverses Biden-era policies and aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives while cutting Medicaid ..read more

Sharing an important letter (linked here), signed by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) along with 64 organizations and allies of the Medicaid in Schools Coalition. It was submitted to Congress on February 17, 2025, as an urgent appeal to our lawmakers to protect Medicaid from the proposed cuts. Medicaid plays a vital role ..read more