NASN is THE place where school nurses unite! With unity, comes power in collaboration, power in resourcefulness, and power in the educational success of students. During the month of October, NASN will officially celebrate the power of membership. In the celebration kick-off blog post, learn more about the celebration and the power of NASN membership. Be sure to follow @schoolnurses on Twitter for campaign updates and stories, and share your membership experiences using the hashtag #NASNPower. Thank you for your membership! 

It's easy to enroll in and request gift certificates for your students from the VSP Vision Care Sight for Students program. The online form is quick and painless. Learn more about this member-favorite program or enroll today.

The Discount Prescription Drug Card is an affinity program that works at a large number of pharmacies and grocery stores. Learn more, print a card, or place a bulk order for multiple cards to share with students and families, colleagues, and others.

NASN attended the unveiling of the  the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) "Blueprint for Children" which is designed to be a guide for the next President in dealing with child health policy into the next Administration. Learn more.

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During the first full week of October, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and participants across the country are raising awareness of mental illness. During Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 2-8, join NAMI in shining a light on mental illness and replacing stigma with hope by taking the #StigmaFree pledge.

On October 6, National Depression Screening Day will focus on the need for the public to be actively involved in suicide prevention. Using the resource, StopaSuicide.org, the campaign will educate the public on suicide warning signs and provide action steps to get the help they need. Free, anonymous mental health screenings are available at helpyourselfhelpothers.org.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the Parents Guide to Childhood Immunizations. This award-winning guide, Parents Guide to Childhood Immunizations, helps parents and caregivers learn about the role vaccines play in helping keep children healthy. The color booklet includes a glossary and list of resources and is illustrated with children's artwork.

ABC News
A mother who decided not to vaccinate her children changed her stance when all three were stricken with a case of rotavirus. Now, her three children - all under the age of 7 - are fully vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and dozens of other public health groups have stressed for years that vaccines are safe and necessary. Read article.

A new report from Attendance Works and Everyone Graduates Center finds that half of the nation's 6.5 million chronically absent students are concentrated in just 4 percent of its districts. Preventing Missed Opportunity: Taking Collective Action to Confront Chronic Absence, builds on the first national chronic absence data set from the U.S. Department of Education and shows that chronic absenteeism often follows poverty.

In case you missed it, a recording of the September 20th webinar from the Urban Institute is now available. During the webinar with budget, policy, and polling experts, results from the 2016 Kids' Share Report are discussed. Access this webinar.

Latex Allergy - Addressing Barriers to Emergency Anaphylaxis Care Webinar
Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 6:00 P.M., Eastern
This webinar will address the barriers to care that are found within emergency departments and EMS systems and foster a greater understanding about emergency care systems and their treatment of anaphylaxis caused by latex allergens. Register.

Overcoming Barriers in the Real World - A Look at Clinical Issues, School Concerns and Living with Latex Allergy Webinar
Thursday, October 20, 2016, 7:00 P.M., Eastern
Latex allergy is a concern in healthcare and everyday life. The panel will discusses clinical issues, spina bifida and latex challenges, and issues that affect students at school. Register.

This calendar includes upcoming events hosted by NASN, officially endorsed by NASN, and/or hosted by one of NASN's Affiliate school nurse organizations.  Access the calendar. 

This calendar lists special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Access the 2016 calendar.