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Promoting Diversity & Inclusion Part 1: The Healing Power of a Bandage

A trip to the school nurse office should not only offer physical healing, but also mental support. We know that nurses can provide an ice pack, a temperature check, or a bandage, but what else can they do to help a child feel cared for?

Studies show that health care is not always equitably provided across different ethnic and economically diverse populations. People belonging to marginalized groups in the United States disproportionately experience health problems. And with school nurses often serving as the main point of contact for many low-income students' medical needs - and in some cases being the only health professional they consistently encounter - this is an incredibly important role.

Here’s how you can help promote diversity and inclusion in your health office:

The Healing Power of a Bandage

Have you considered that bandages aren’t typically sold in a variety of shades to match the variety of skin tones that exist in the world? Something as small as having a bandage that matches a child’s skin can go a long way in making him or her feel cared for and supported.

In April of 2019 a story went viral about Dominique Apollon’s experience with a bandage that matched his skin tone. He opened up on Twitter about what it meant to him saying, “I definitely didn't expect the complex emotions that would swirl as I watched it just...blend in. This felt like belonging. Like feeling valued.”

The school nurse office is where children are made to feel better, feel safe and feel cared for no matter the color of their skin. By offering your students bandages that match their skin tone, you can make a big difference in how each child feels and in turn provide them with a safe space in the school setting.

How School Nurses Can Promote Diversity & Inclusion in the Health Office

Nurses have the ability, and responsibility, to advocate for the civil rights of all students. The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) says, “School systems hold a profound formative influence in the lives of students. Where racism exists, students of color experience adverse impacts on their health, well-being, and learning. Schools must be systems within communities where antiracism is the default culture and climate.” This means that a school nurse can do a lot to help ensure that children of all races and ethnicities are being treated equally.

MacGill appreciates the role school nurses play in not only caring for sick or injured children, but helping them embrace diversity and feeling included. When a child feels recognized for who they are, it will help improve their performance in class and success in life.

Stay tuned for additional blogs in our Diversity & Inclusion series that will break down various health disparities among students in the US. In each blog we will offer solutions and products that school nurses can leverage to help ensure that all children are being treated equally.

To shop for Tru-Colour® bandages click here.

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