Report of Regents P-12 Education/Professional Practice Joint Meeting Committee to The Board of Regents

Your P-12 Education and Professional Practice Committees held a joint meeting on October 16, 2017.  All members were present, except for Regent Finn, who was excused.

MATTERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Sepsis Prevention and Access to Vision Health Care [P-12/PPC (D) 1] – the Committees were updated on the Department’s efforts to raise awareness of sepsis prevention.  The Department collaborated with Assemblymember Catherine Nolan, who has introduced sepsis awareness legislation, as well as the Rory Staunton Foundation for Sepsis Awareness, to provide sample curricula and resources on a dedicated webpage for schools to use to educate students on sepsis.  The Staunton’s started the Foundation after their son Rory died from sepsis as a result of a cut from a fall in the gym at his school.  Sepsis is preventable and treatable so it is vital that students and schools learn how it can be prevented and its symptoms so that immediate medical treatment can be sought.  The Department will continue to work with the Rory Staunton Foundation for Sepsis Awareness to provide schools with appropriate materials that help students learn about ways to prevent and treat sepsis.

The Committees were also updated on the importance of providing access to vision health care.  The New York State Legislature has proclaimed October as School Vision Health month.  The Department has worked with eye health professional associations to provide resources and emphasize the importance of eye health and safety.  The Department has also collaborated with professional associations to coordinate the provision of complete eye examinations and glasses in some schools during October.  Staff will gather data from the 2017 Vision Health month initiative and continue to promote vision health throughout the year.