General Programs and Services

    AED/CPR Program : New York State law requires that schools participate in an Automated External Defibrillator program. Each of our over 1400 schools is a Public Access Defibrillation site. OSH works with a vendor to provide service to the AED’s, and to provide CPR and AED training to our staff.

    Automated Student Health Record (ASHR): This tool is available to school nurses in all elementary and intermediate schools. It has greatly expanded the ability of school nurses to care for students. It also assures that records are immediately available when a student transfers from one school to another.

    Fitness: OSH is working closely with the Office of Fitness and Health Education to implement a new fitness program. Components include the Physical Best curriculum, the NYC FITNESSGRAM Fitness Assessment program and the C.H.A.M.P.S. Middle School Sports and Fitness league. .

    Health Education: OSH supports the efforts of the Office of Fitness and Health Education  to implement comprehensive health education, including HIV/AIDS instruction; to collaborate with the NYC DOHMH on the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and other initiatives; and to provide professional development and technical assistance to the field.

    Health Insurance : Almost all children in New York City public schools are eligible for public health insurance at minimal or no cost. School records show that approximately 10% of our school children are uninsured. OSH collaborates with the Human Resources Administration to provide access to public health insurance to our students and their families through the schools.

    Home Instruction: OSH reviews inquiries regarding home instruction based on medical needs.

    Transportation Requests: OSH doctors review transportation requests based on health issues for students with Individualized Education Programs in specific areas.

    Wellness Policy: In response to a new federal requirement DOE has adopted a Wellness Policy. This policy seeks to promote the health and well-being of our students, while taking into account competing priorities and the availability of funds. DOE engaged students, parents, teachers, food service professionals, health professionals and other interested community members in policy development and review.