Medication Safety at School

Medication Safety at School

What Parents Should Know

More than 40 percent of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic health condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Beyond managing chronic conditions, many students take medications during the school day for a variety of health needs, making communication between families and schools an important part of medication safety.

While parents may assume that a child who takes medication at home can simply bring that medication to school, the reality is often more complicated. School districts may have different policies regarding how medications are stored, administered, and documented. Understanding those requirements can help prevent delays and ensure students have access to medications when they need them.

"A lot of times there have been changes since the last school year," said Kailee Grahek, pharmacy resident at Aspirus Health. "Medication doses could have changed, a child's weight may have changed, and there may be new teachers, classrooms, or staff involved. It's important to make sure everybody is on the same page."

For students who need medications during the school day, preparation starts with understanding the school's expectations. Parents should check whether medication authorization forms are required, ensure medications are in their original labeled containers, and communicate any changes to the child's medication plan. Planning for refills and replacing expired medications can also help avoid disruptions during the school year.

Emergency medications, such as EpiPens and rescue inhalers, require additional consideration. While many schools allow students to carry certain emergency medications, policies can vary. School nursing staff can help families understand requirements and develop a plan for how medications will be managed and when school staff should be notified if a medication is used.

"Just because a child is allowed to carry a medication doesn't necessarily mean they're comfortable using it," Grahek said. " Talking to them about how to use the medication and discussing whether they're comfortable administering it on their own without the help of the school nurse is also really important."

Parents should take time to review when a medication should be used, how it should be administered, and who their child can turn to for help if needed. Those conversations can build confidence and help children feel more prepared to manage their health needs during the school day.

Medication safety is a shared responsibility among families, health care providers, students, and school staff. By keeping medication information up to date, maintaining open communication, and ensuring children understand their medication plan, families can help create a safer school experience for everyone involved.

For questions about medication safety, speak with your pharmacist, health care provider, or school nursing staff. To learn more about Aspirus Health and its services, visit aspirus.org.

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