Hendersonville, N.C. (Aug. 28, 2018) – Pardee UNC Health Care, in collaboration with county school nurses, is donating first aid bags to all Henderson County Public Schools’ elementary school teachers in honor of the first weeks of the 2018-19 school year.
The North Carolina Health Program recommends that, at the beginning of the school year, each classroom teacher be given a reusable bag with basic first aid supplies; this bag can also be used for transporting emergency medications (such as EpiPens and inhalers) belonging to students with care plans.
School nurses with the Henderson County Department of Public Health noticed local elementary classrooms – where a number of minor “bumps” and “boo-boos” occur – did not have an easily identifiable, portable, and durable way to transport student health supplies. Teachers had been using worn plastic baggies or their own personal tote to store and transport first aid materials.
“Teachers are the first line of defense when an elementary student is hurt, and often a simple bandage can save a trip to the office,” said Kim Berry, school nurse supervisor. “And having something consistent, identifiable, and easy to grab-and-go is really important, so teachers and substitutes always know which bag to take to recess, or during a fire drill or evacuation.”
To ensure first aid supplies and students’ emergency medications are readily accessible in elementary classrooms, Pardee is delivering first aid totes to area elementary schools on Wednesday, Aug. 29, Thursday, Aug. 30, and Tuesday, Sept. 4.
“We are so grateful to the attention of our school nurses who noticed a need in our schools, and to Pardee, who is graciously meeting that need,” said HCPS Superintendent Bo Caldwell. “Our students are healthier and safer thanks to great community support.”
“Pardee is honored to help support the health of our community’s youngest citizens,” said Jay Kirby, president and CEO of Pardee. “By having these supplies on hand, our elementary school teachers are equipped to provide both basic first aid and potentially lifesaving care in the event of an emergency.”
About Pardee UNC Health Care
Pardee UNC Health Care is a not-for-profit community hospital founded in 1953 and is managed by UNC Health Care. The hospital is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a cancer center, three urgent care locations and five orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find a physician, visit www.pardeehospital.org.
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