WASN News

The "OCMH Research News In Youth Mental Health - October 2025" newsletter summarizes key research findings across various topics:

1. Mental Health & Well-being: The newsletter highlights high rates of mental health concerns among college students (37% reported accessing services), with notable rates of depression and anxiety. Separately, over half of mothers express worry about their children's mental health, citing cost and long waits as major barriers to care.
2. Safety and Crisis: Research indicates that parent-owned guns, often stored unlocked, are the most common means in firearm suicides among children (ages 10-17). A dramatic increase in self-harm incidents involving common household items (like pain relievers and cold medicines) has also been reported among preteens (ages 11-12).
3. Schools and Social Environment: Studies emphasize that school connectedness and anti-bullying climates empower students. While most K-12 schools report the pandemic still negatively impacts students' socioemotional development, new research suggests that school phone bans can lead to significant reductions in psychological distress and improved social connections.
4. Systemic Factors: The 2021 temporary expansion of the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit was central to significantly reducing child poverty. Other reports cover the importance of culturally responsive mental healthcare, trends in child welfare, and state-level data on opioid overdose response. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine, systematic mental health screening from infancy through adolescence.

The 2025-2026 school year is starting. Have a great start to your year as a school nurse!

Are you going to NASN Conference in Austin TX??  Have you heard from Shell Kaczorowski BSN RN LSN, WASN's NASN Director?  If not please email her to be included in WI Affiliate night out and other happenings during the conference. She looks forward to seeing you there!

See the article in The Star News from Medford, Wisconsin recognizing Mindy Schwarz as the School Nurse of the Year award winner for 2025!

Stevens Point Area Public School Nurses received their "Stop the Bleed Kits" this week.

This is a friendly reminder that registration for the upcoming WASN is closing on Sunday, April 21st.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, learn about the latest advancements in school nursing, and participate in valuable workshops and presentations.

To learn more about the conference, visit this page.

To register, go to this link.

We encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible before registration closes. There are still free registration spots available.  Don't miss out!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

The WASN Team

2025 Conference Registration is now open

We have extended the submission deadline for the SNOY/SNAY nominations to March 28, 2025.

Nominations are still being accepted to School Nurse of the Year and School Nurse Administrator of the Year.

Do you know an outstanding school nurse or school nurse administrator? Nominations are now open for the School Nurse of the Year and School Nurse Administrator of the Year awards!

Visit this page for details on how to submit your nomination. Let’s celebrate the dedication and excellence of these healthcare heroes!

Deadline: February 28, 2025

The next quarterly board meeting will be held January 22nd from 1-3 pm.  Meeting details and agenda will be posted in Onboard by January 3rd.

Information regarding the Free Care Rule and School Nurses. 

Do you know an outstanding school nurse or school nurse administrator? Nominations are now open for the School Nurse of the Year and School Nurse Administrator of the Year awards!

Visit this page for details on how to submit your nomination. Let’s celebrate the dedication and excellence of these healthcare heroes!

Deadline: February 28, 2025