Documentation, medical orders, and clear communication about chronic diseases and medication help students receive the care they need at school.
Schools can provide care for students who take medication at school or who have chronic conditions like asthma, severe allergies, seizure disorders, or diabetes, but they need the right documentation to do so. Even children without chronic conditions should attend well visits and regular medical follow ups to stay healthy and prevent unnecessary school absences.
See your school district’s School Health Services page for key forms required by your district.
- Richmond Public Schools Services
- Henrico County Public Schools Health Services
- Chesterfield Public Schools Health Services
- VDH also links to key forms on their website.
Contact your student’s pediatrician to ask what they need from you, and how they would like you to proceed in order to get these important documents completed. All members of a child’s care team (parents or guardians, providers, school nurse, and after-school caregivers) should be familiar with the child’s school health forms. Direct communication and sharing information ensures that your student receives the best care and stays healthy at school.
- Students with diabetes need a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). DMMP and other forms can be found in the Virginia Diabetes Council Tool Kit.
- Students with epilepsy should have a Seizure Action Plan
- Students with severe allergies or asthma should complete an Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan.
- Students with asthma should also have an Asthma Action Plan. There is more information on asthma in the section below.
Asthma
Richmond is one of the most challenging cities in the U.S. to live in if you have asthma. In addition, childhood asthma is the primary cause of chronic absenteeism in Richmond, and a leading reason why children visit the emergency department.
Helping people with asthma lead healthier lives requires both medical care and awareness of living conditions. Things like housing quality, economic stability, transportation, and access to health services can affect asthma symptoms. Health professionals call these “social determinants of health.”
- RVA Breathes, based at the Richmond & Henrico Health Districts, provides support for families of children with asthma to improve their daily experience with asthma. To learn more, see the RVA Breathes website, contact rvabreathes@vdh.virginia.gov, or call (804) 584-0266.
