Health Office

OHCHS HEALTH OFFICE
743-8914 ext. 9522

Ann Johnson, RN - School Nurse
Leah Verrier - Health Secretary and Clinic Assistant

Medication
To receive medication in school, including over-the-counter medication, a student must have a written order for the medication from a health care provider on file in the health office. This is school board policy. All medication brought to the Health Office must be in its original container, as purchased from a store or from a pharmacy. Medications will be kept in a locked cabinet in the Health Office and administered only by the school nurse or her clinic assistant.
Students are not allowed to carry or self-administer medication, even over-the-counter medicine. The only exceptions to this are inhalers for asthmatics, EpiPens for severely allergic students and diabetic supplies for students with diabetes.

Health Screenings
All 9th graders have their vision screened. Their height and weight is also measured. Once screenings are completed parents will be sent a copy of the results. If you do not want your child screened or if you have questions call the school nurse.

Illness During the School Day
If a student becomes ill during school hours, he/she should go to the OHCHS Health Office where we can assist them and then call a parent/guardian if they need to go home. This helps us track illnesses in our school which is especially important for flu surveillance. If your child calls you from elsewhere in the school, ask them to go to the Health Office where we will call you. This gives your child better care, avoids confusion and allows your child to meet you at your car.

Immunization Requirements
By state law, the following immunizations must be completed and documented for a student to attend OHCHS:
Series of 5 Diptheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT/DtaP)
Series of 4 Polio (OPV/IPV)
Series of 2 Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
Single Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine (2 doses if given at age 13 or older)
or documented history of disease

Other
No latex balloons or gloves are allowed on school grounds. This will decrease exposure to latex particles by students and staff with sensitivity or life-threatening allergy to latex.


SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS at OHCHS

ATHLETIC TRAINER, Jan Salis, is available every Tuesday and Thursday at
2 pm in the Health Office to meet with injured athletes.

SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTER (SBHC) of Western Maine Health has a pediatric nurse practitioner, Deb Nichols, who is available 4 days a week during school hours to see students with parental permission. A written consent form needs to be signed to become a member of the SBHC. The SBHC uses space in the Health Office. Medical care including physical exams, medical testing, treatment of acute minor illness such as strep throat and ear infections, and prescriptions are available through the SBHC. Birth control devices are not prescribed or dispensed. For more information call 744-0322.

TOOTH FAIRIES, INC offers preventative dental care. A registered dental hygienist is available by appointment during school hours to provide dental cleanings, fluoride, sealants and oral hygiene instruction. This service is available to students who have difficulty accessing dental care. MaineCare is accepted and payment plans are available. Contact the OHCHS Health Office.

SOCIAL WORKERS from Community Concepts, Inc. are available during school hours to provide counseling services. Call Kelly West or Julia Schrader at
743-8914 ext. 1100 during school hours.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG SERVICES from Community Concepts, Inc. are available during school hours on Thursdays and Fridays. This licensed substance abuse treatment program offers counseling and support services to address behavioral or emotional needs of students. Contact Lynley Turkington at 743-8914 ext. 2207 for more information .