AL SJR129

Commends Alabama school nurses for exemplary service and health care provided to school children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notes that less than 1,800 part-time and full-time licensed nurses serve almost 750,000 children in Alabama schools, addressing health care advice, medication administration, emergency interventions, mental health issues, food insecurity, and child abuse.

Recognizes school nurses' professional handling of student and staff safety challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and their commitment to protecting school children's health.

Encourages superintendents and school boards to utilize federal COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery dollars to implement preventative health programs, including the "safely opened school program" that ensures every school has a full-time nurse.

Directs that a copy of the resolution be provided to the Alabama Association of School Nurses as evidence of the state's esteem for their work.