What's New
HEALTH Organizes Community Clinics for Immunization Against Influenza
With the number of influenza cases circulating throughout Rhode Island and the country continuing to rise, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has organized a series of no-cost vaccination clinics throughout the state over the next three weeks.
The first of 17 public clinics will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at the Warwick Mall from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. As additional clinics are scheduled, they will be added to the clinic schedule available at: www.health.ri.gov/find/vaccinations
All clinics are open to anyone older than 6 months of age. There is no cost for a flu shot and there are no insurance requirements at the clinics. People who have health insurance, however, are asked to bring their insurance cards.
For more information about the flu and flu vaccination clinics, contact the Health Information Line at 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711.
CDC: Holiday Health and Safety Tips
The holidays offer a perfect opportunity for enjoying loved ones, celebrating life, being grateful, and reflecting on what’s important. They are also a time to appreciate the gift of health. Support health and safety for yourself and others by following these timeless holiday tips.
Stay Safe During Extreme Cold, Winter Weather
The Rhode Island Department of Health issued an advisory to remind people of precautions to take in extreme cold and during winter storms. It is especially important that all Rhode Islanders take the following precautions during this time of inclement weather. Read more…
Fall 2013 School-Located Flu Vaccination Clinics
A school-located flu vaccination program runs each fall throughout Rhode Island. Clinics are for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. There is no out-of-pocket charge for flu vaccination for students. The insurance information of students who have health insurance will be collected, but no student will be turned away for a lack of insurance. Please visit http://www.health.ri.gov/find/vaccinations/ for the 2013 fall schedule.
CDC: Head Back to School Safer and Healthier This Year!
Heading back to school is an exciting time of year for students and families. As students go back to school, it is important that they eat healthy and stay active, are up to date on their immunizations, and know the signs of bullying for a healthier and safer school year. Read more...
CDC Releases Updated Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool
The CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) is pleased to announce the release of the updated Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT 2012). The HECAT helps school districts, schools, and others conduct a clear, complete, and consistent analysis of health education curricula based on the National Health Education Standards and CDC’s Characteristics of an Effective Health Education Curriculum.
To download this free, online tool in PDF format, please visit the CDC Healthy Youth Web site at www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/HECAT/index.htm.
U.S. Department of Education Asks School Leaders to Initiate New Efforts to Reduce Gender-Based Violence
The U.S. Department of Education issued a Dear Colleague letter to state school chiefs requesting immediate action to reduce gender-based violence in schools and to help ensure all students are safe. The letter and additional materials were released during a recent White House event on teen dating violence prevention, which was part of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, and the Obama Administration’s efforts to raise awareness of gender-based violence. Click here for more information and resources including Gender-Based Violence Among School-Aged Youths: What Schools Can Do.
For information about Get Smart, Get Help, Get Safe, please see the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments.
U.S. Department of Education’s REMS Technical Assistance Center
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Healthy Students (OSHS) Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center is currently undergoing some exciting changes to better serve your needs. We apologize for any inconvenience during this process; however, our comprehensive website will be available again shortly! Thank you for your patience.
For information and resources relating to school emergency plans, see Creating and Updating School Emergency Management Plans.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Toolkit to Help Prevent Suicide
Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools aims to assist high schools and school districts in designing and implementing strategies that prevent suicide and promote behavioral health.
Rhode Island Physical Education
RI General Laws, Chapters 08-254 & 08-463, state that by September 2012, school PE curricula must be aligned with the standards and performance indicators in The Rhode Island Physical Education Framework.
101 Tips for Teaching Nutrition Concepts in Physical Education
The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and Fuel Up to Play 60 have teamed up to create 101 Tips for Teaching Nutrition Concepts in Physical Education. Fuel Up to Play 60 is a free in-school nutrition and physical activity program that encourages children to develop life-long healthy habits. Would you like to bring Fuel Up to Play 60 to your school? Click here to register your school.
RI Safe Schools Act: Statewide Bullying Policy
Effective June 30, 2012
The Statewide Bullying Policy, known as the Safe Schools Act, was promulgated pursuant to the authority set forth in §16-21-34 of the General Laws of Rhode Island. The purpose of the Policy is to ensure a consistent and unified statewide approach to the prohibition of bullying at school. Click here for a summary and frequently asked questions of the new RI Statewide Bullying Policy.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan Announces Re-launch of StopBullying.gov
Education Secretary Arne Duncan reflects on the past year of bullying prevention activities and encourages a shift from talking about bullying to taking action, as we all have a role to play in preventing and responding to bullying. Secretary Duncan announces the re-launch of StopBullying.gov, which features concrete steps for everyone to take.
National Sexuality Education Standards for Sexuality Education in Public Schools
Four leading health organizations released the first-ever national standards for sexuality education in schools. Published in the Journal of School Health, National Sexuality Education Standards: Core Content and Skills, K–12, provides guidance on core content for sexuality education that is developmentally and age-appropriate for students in grades kindergarten through grade 12.
The standards are the result of a cooperative effort by the American Association of Health Education, the American School Health Association, the National Education Association Health Information Network, and the Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education, in coordination with the Future of Sex Education (FoSE) Initiative. Nearly 40 stakeholders including content experts, medical and public health professionals, teachers, sexuality educators, and young people developed the standards in a two-year process.
For additional information contact:
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RI Department of Education 401-222-8952 |
Rosemary Reilly-Chammat, Ed.D. RI Department of Education 401-222-8951 |
