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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 246-04
September 17, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES UP TO $8 MILLION TO FUND SCHOOL NURSES AT NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS

At Least 100 Additional Private and Parochial Schools to Receive Full-Time Nurses

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden announced that up to $8 million will be allocated to provide nurses in private and parochial schools. The money will increase the number of non-public schools that receive full-time nurses from 96 to up to 224.  The nurses will provide health services in schools in all five boroughs and the funding will be identified as part of the quarterly budget modifications.

"School nurses provide invaluable services to our children and peace of mind to our parents," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Healthy kids learn better, and school nurses keep our children ready to learn. While nurses are an essential component of school health, they must be part of a comprehensive approach that requires the participation of children, teachers, parents, principals, school maintenance staff, nutritionists and many others."

"The Health Department works to improve the health of all children in New York City through health promotion activities such as screenings, immunizations, promotion of physical activity, asthma management, nutrition, oral health and nursing services," said Commissioner Frieden.

"The voices of the parents, teachers and administrators of non public school students have been heard by Mayor Bloomberg, and as the nurses return to our schools I commend them for their resolve, commitment to and love for their kids," stated Minority Leader James S. Oddo  

"I thank Mayor Bloomberg for delivering this tremendous victory for the children of Staten Island and for the children of this City," said Council Member Andrew J. Lanza.  "It's been great working with the Mayor and it's gratifying to see him take this strong stand in ensuring nurses for all our school children."

"I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg for helping to protect the health and safety of all the children of this great city," said Council Member Dennis P. Gallagher. "This is a significant breakthrough and we welcome this initiative."

Schools that previously had a daily nursing presence, but currently have nurses only several days a week will have a daily nursing presence restored.  Vacancies will be filled with new hires.  In assigning the available new nurses, priority will be given to schools that have children with medical needs, and schools with larger enrollments. DOHMH will launch a recruitment campaign to help fill the vacant positions. 







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz   (212) 788-2958

Sandra Mullin   (DOHMH)
(212) 788-5290




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