Samford University’s Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing has received Sight Savers America’s inaugural KidCheck Plus Nursing School of the Year Award.
KidCheck Plus is a school-based health screening program that provides head-to-toe screenings for preschool–12th grade students in rural and urban Alabama. Samford is one of the program’s 20 nursing school partners in Alabama.
Nursing school dean Eleanor V. Howell, associate dean Joy Whatley and nursing faculty member and partnership manager Elaine Marshall accepted the award during the Aug. 26 presentation ceremony at Samford in Birmingham.
Dedication, service
Chad Nichols, CEO of Sight Savers America, said, “Under the leadership of Elaine Marshall, the school’s faculty, staff and students embody the leadership, dedication and service that this award is all about.”
Nichols noted the school of nursing was selected for this honor based on its superior communication and partnership with their program; faculty leadership that encourages a positive work effort and inspires a spirit of service; outstanding involvement with the program and a willingness to participate; and exceptional organization and dependability at their KidCheck Plus health screening events.
In 2013–14, Samford nursing students provided 1,832 health screenings at nine schools. A number of issues were identified, leading to nearly 700 referrals. Following each screening, reports were sent home to parents and provided to each school’s nurse.
More than 20,000 children are screened through KidCheck Plus each year and about 50 percent have identifiable health needs. Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing has partnered with the program for two years and will continue its involvement in 2014–15.
(Samford)
Share with others: