School Nurse Appreciation Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

School Nurse Appreciation Day

WHEREAS, school nurses have served a critical role in improving public health and in ensuring students' academic success for more than 120 years; and

WHEREAS, school nurses are highly trained professionals who advance the well-being, academic achievement, and lifelong success of all students by providing a critical safety net, particularly for the most vulnerable; and

WHEREAS, families deserve confidence that their children are safe and cared for during the school day, especially as students increasingly face complex and potentially life-threatening health needs requiring support at school; and

WHEREAS, school nurses serve as essential liaisons among schools, families, and healthcare providers, promoting wellness and improving student health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, as integral members of school-based teams, school nurses provide care coordination and help address the diverse health needs of the student population; and

WHEREAS, school nurses recognize the critical connection between health and learning and are uniquely positioned to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children each day; and

WHEREAS, on School Nurse Appreciation Day we acknowledge the work of school nurses to meet students' needs by providing and advocating for quality student-centered care, helping students stay healthy and ready to learn, and making a positive difference in the lives of children every day; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize the day of May 6, 2026, as SCHOOL NURSE APPRECIATION DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.