The Corvallis School District partners with the Benton County Health Department to provide nursing services to our schools.

Two public health nurses fill one full-time nursing position in order to implement students’ physician-directed health care plans and care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured students. They ensure district’s health care practices comply with state laws and serve as a health care resource to teachers, staff and administrators. They also conduct vision and dental screenings at all schools and assist students in getting dental and vision services as needed.

The district nurses visit schools regularly to provide training and to support staff with student health issues.  Typically, one nurse is on duty each day and can be reached by phone at 541-757-4527.

District Health Policies
In an effort to keep our students as healthy as possible to ensure optimum learning, and in accordance with state laws, the district has established a number of health-related policies and procedures. These policies are broadly described in the annual Student-Parent Handbook and also can be read in their entirety by clicking on the link to 509J Health Policies in the right column. 

Among the issues addressed in the district’s health policies are communicable diseases; the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco; emergency medical treatment; immunizations; medicine at school; the management of head lice; and more. Here are brief summaries of the policies parents typically have the most questions about; however, parents should consult the Student-Parent Handbook or the district’s actual administrative policies for more details.

Immunizations
Students must be immunized against certain diseases according to state law, or they must present a certificate or statement that, for medical or religious reasons, the student should not be immunized. Any student not in compliance with Oregon statutes and rules related to immunization may be excluded from school until such time as he/she has met immunization requirements.

2012-2013 Immunization Requirements
English / Spanish

District-Administered Medication: Parents may request that school personnel give medicine to their child. The request must be made in writing and must include proper written instructions regarding how and when the medicine should be taken. The medicine also must be brought to the school in its original container. Medication not picked up within five school days of the end of the medication period or at the end of the school year, will be disposed of by the district.

Self-Medication: Students may be allowed to self-administer medicine if parents submit the proper form, signed by a physcian or other licensed health care professional. A building administrator must approve all self-medication requests and a district nurse also must approve requests for students in grades K-8. Students in grades K-8 can only carry self-meds if they are for immediate use such as an inhaler or Epipen. The medication must be kept in its original container and students may have in their possession only the amount of medicine needed for that school day. Sharing or borrowing medication is strictly prohibited and permission to self-medicate may be revoked if the student violates district policy.