By JACK PALMER

palmer@crescent-news.com

NAPOLEON -- From providing first aid to checking for head lice to reviewing student health records, it's all in a day's work for Julia Adkins.

"We have many students where both parents work outside the home, and those students are more likely to come to school sick," said Adkins, district-employed school nurse for Napoleon Area Schools. "Parents often feel they can't miss work because of the economy, so they send their kids to school and tell them if they start feeling worse to go see the school nurse."

That may be at least part of the reason why Adkins' office recorded 8,205 student contacts during the 2007-08 school year, up nearly 1,000 from the prior school year.

"Our population seems to be getting a lot needier," she stated. "Most parents are really good about following up with doctors when it's recommended."

Adkins spends one full day a week in each of the district buildings -- C.D. Brillhart Elementary (K-1), West Elementary (grades 2-3) Central Elementary (grades 4-5), Central Middle School (grades 6-8) and Napoleon High School. She also supervises LPNs in school buildings provided through the district's collaborative relationship with Henry County Hospital.

"We have a good working relationship with both the hospital and the health department," she said. "Our health department is really great about obtaining grants and helping families in the community. The dental clinic is a good example."

Last year the school nurse program provided first aid services to 6,216 students, sending home 863 and referring 123 to a physician. In addition, there were 1,046 vision screenings with 98 referrals, 707 hearing checks with 23 recorded problems and 665 dental screenings with 28 referrals.

Other health problems included 189 cases of asthma and 117 students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. More than 1,600 phone calls were made to parents.

"We are very busy with special needs students," said Adkins. "This year we have seven diabetics, up from one a few years ago. They require a lot more attention.

"Head lice isn't a huge problem, but we see it every year," she added. "We'll have head lice until the end of time."

All student records are checked as to disabilities and serious illnesses, and Adkins follows up as to the current status of the problem. Teachers are given a confidential report for their students.

"We are one of the only districts that require proof of a physical when admitting a new student," said Adkins. "Unless the child on Medicaid, it's difficult to obtain a physical if the family has no insurance. Sometimes we have a difficult time finding physicians who accept Medicaid."

Last year the district made 167 requests for physicals from new and non-compliant students, with 146 complying.

"We have a large seasonal migrant population," she stated. "Many don't have Social Security numbers and, therefore, don't qualify for Medicaid. The health department has been very good about providing them with immunizations, dental and vision screening."

Adkins, a Napoleon High School alumna, is in her fourth year as the district-employed nurse. She earned her registered nurse degree from Mercy College in Toledo and a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University. She is finishing her master's degree in health education with a school nurse component.

"The biggest challenge is finding resources for families who don't have insurance," she said. "That's not just a school problem, that's a society problem."