Citizens urged to 'speak up for school nurses' as cuts proposed

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PUB DATE:021109

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All of us will probably be affected by budget cuts made in the coming weeks by our state legislators. We face a dire economic forecast with no assurances of a quick turnaround.

One cut that will impact Georgia's children for years to come is the funding of school nurses.

Ten percent of Georgia's children have asthma. At the American Lung Association, we see school nurses as important partners for parents and physicians in the care of children with asthma.

Asthma attacks translate to missed school days, missed workdays for parents, hospitalizations - the list goes on. We can't cure asthma, but we can reduce asthma episodes. With the help of school nurses, these children can spend more time in school.

For all these reasons and more, legislators must find the money to maintain funding for school nurses. Parents, grandparents, family and friends, please speak up for our school nurses.

June Deen

Director of Advocacy

American Lung Association of Georgia

Smyrna, Ga.