Chronic Disease Management

School nurse talks with student

Children and adolescents in the United States spend many hours in school; therefore, those students who have chronic health conditions might have daily challenges with managing their condition.  Examples of chronic health conditions are asthma, diabetes, food allergies, poor oral health, epilepsy, and other seizure disorders. Research shows that some students with chronic health conditions may miss school more often than others. Eventually this may have an impact on academic performance. Schools can help students with chronic health conditions by providing services through a school nurse or at a school-based health center.1 School health services staff can help students stay at school, safely and ready to learn. In addition, federal and state regulations require schools to provide services and accommodations for students with chronic health conditions.2,3

  1. Leroy Z, Wallin R, Lee S. The role of school health services in addressing the needs of students with chronic health conditions: a systematic review. The Journal of School Nursing. 2017;33(1):64–72.
  2. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 2019. Retrieved from https://sites.ed.gov/idea/external icon,
  3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. 2019. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/civil-rights-center/statutes/section-504-rehabilitation-act-of-1973external icon.