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The newsletter that takes a Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child approach. The Friday Beat is a free publication of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). It is edited and compiled by the School Health Program.
Training, Education, Assistance, Mentorship, and support to Enhance School Health Services (TEAMS) Program
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) TEAMS Program is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 cohort. This program helps school districts provide more physical, mental, and behavioral health services. It also aims to improve how these services are delivered and how mental and chronic health conditions are managed in schools.
All school districts are invited to apply to participate. Visit the AAP webpage to learn more details about the program and application instructions. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 29.
Spread the Word About Bacterial Meningitis
Each year, school employees must inform students and parents about bacterial meningitis. This information includes disease symptoms, prevention information, transmission details, diagnosis, and effectiveness of vaccination and treatment. Each school district should have notification procedures in its handbook. Read more about the state requirements in Texas Education Code, Section 38.0025, and review the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) meningitis information for students and parents.
Review Immunization Requirements for Texas Students
Do you know the minimum state vaccine requirements for students heading back to school? View the Texas School Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K-12 for details on required vaccines before students can attend schools. For soon-to-be-graduates, review the Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for College Entry for college and university requirements. If you have questions, please call the DSHS Immunization Unit at (800) 252-9152 or email schoolimm@dshs.texas.gov.
Asthma and Unassigned Medication for Respiratory Distress Policies
Schools can choose to adopt policies for giving unassigned medication for respiratory distress according to Texas Education Code, Section 38.208 and 25 Texas Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 40, Subchapter D, Section 40.47 Talk to your school about its policies on medication for respiratory distress. If your school decides to develop a policy for unassigned medication, make sure to use the required DSHS unassigned medication for respiratory distress form to report when asthma medicine is given. View additional asthma resources.
Unassigned Opioid Antagonist Policies
Texas Education Code, Section 38.222, requires school districts for grades 6 to 12 to have a policy on how to maintain, administer, and dispose of opioid antagonists. Open-enrollment charter schools or private schools may choose to adopt a policy. In accordance with 25 Texas Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 40, Subchapter F, Section 40.87, schools must report when a staff member or volunteer gives an opioid antagonist using the DSHS unassigned opioid antagonist medication reporting form.
Local Wellness Policies and the Role of School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs)
The UT Health School of Public Health Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living is hosting a webinar on local wellness policies and the role of SHACs on September 16, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. This webinar will define both local wellness policies and SHACs and provide useful resources individuals can use in their local school districts. Register online.
USAsthma Summit 2025
Allergy & Asthma Network is hosting their 11th annual USAsthma Summit in Orlando on November 7, 2025. Participants will learn ways to improve asthma care, best practices, and strategy and policy issues impacting the asthma community and their caregivers. The Summit is a no-cost event and available via interactive livestream for those who are unable to attend in person. Register online.
Inside Adolescence: Substance Use Patterns, Predictions, Risk, and Resilience in the ABCD Study
The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study is hosting a webinar on September 8 called “Inside Adolescence: Substance Use Patterns, Predictions, Risk, and Resilience in the ABCD Study”. In the webinar, experts will share findings on early substance use and discuss ways to prevent or delay it. This webinar will offer useful information for prevention specialists, educators, parents, and anyone who cares for or works with youth. Register for either the 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. ET or the 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET session.
New Story Map on School-based Strategies to Address Childhood Asthma
The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), with help from the American Lung Association, created a tool called “Strengthening School Based Responses to Childhood Asthma.” This interactive story map helps public health and education professionals understand the impact of childhood asthma. It shows ways to improve asthma prevention and management in schools. This tool guides efforts to better support students with asthma.
The Whole Child Hub
The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) is launching a new quarterly newsletter, The Whole Child Hub. The newsletter provides school districts, schools, and school health professionals with information and resources that support the emotional well-being and mental health of the whole child. Sign up for the Whole Child Hub and share with other school health staff.
Free Mental Health Education Programs for Schools
Erika's Lighthouse offers free mental health programs and resources for schools, educators, families, and communities. Register to access information on classroom education, family engagement, empowerment clubs, staff training, and more.
“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
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The articles and hyperlinks to external websites appearing in Friday Beat are intended to be informational and do not represent an endorsement by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Other websites may not be accessible to people with disabilities. External email addresses may also be provided as a courtesy. If you choose to correspond, please be advised that DSHS policies may not apply. For information about any of the programs listed, contact the sponsoring organization directly. For comments or questions about Friday Beat, email the School Health Program at schoolhealth@dshs.texas.gov or call (512) 776-7279.
Public Domain. Permission granted to forward or make copies as needed.
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