MRSA Outbreaks Highlight Importance of Green Cleaning in Schools
Several highly-publicized recent outbreaks of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in schools have ignited a rush for systems and products that will protect children from this “superbug” infection. As school cleaning supply companies are flooded with orders for huge quantities of harsh disinfectants, it is important to remember that basic hygiene and green cleaning practices designed to protect health without harming the environment remain the most effective—and least dangerous—way to prevent the spread of MRSA.
“MRSA outbreaks show how absolutely important it is for schools to clean consistently with health as a priority which, when coupled with reducing the environmental impact, is essentially the definition of green cleaning,” said Claris Olson, HSC's environmental health specialist. “Extreme measures may actually backfire when you’re addressing this type of infection. The good news is that schools can protect children with basic steps such as hand washing and a thorough, consistent cleaning program.”
Green cleaning procedures, such as those outlined in HSC’s Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools and echoed in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for controlling MRSA in schools, suggest thorough cleaning of a school and disinfecting touch points such as doorknobs and light switches. Extra attention should be paid to locker rooms and athletic areas. For a disinfectant to be effective, it needs to be used on surfaces that have already been cleaned to remove surface soil that can harbor bacteria.
This cleaning procedure prevents the spread of infection without exposing children to unnecessary levels of harsh chemicals that can reduce indoor air quality, burden the immune system and aggravate respiratory problems such as asthma. Green cleaning procedures for disinfection offer benefits for the environment and reduce expenses for schools by avoiding futile attempts to disinfect an entire school. Of course, they also protect the health of students and staff by focusing the disinfection on surfaces where cross contamination can occur.
Read HSC’s press release with recommendations for preventing and addressing MRSA »
HSC Receives Award from Illinois Association of School Nurses
|
Donna Fishman, HSC’s School Nurse Leadership Director, accepts the award from IASN leaders. |
The Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) has presented HSC with an award recognizing our “education and support of school nurses” and commitment to children’s health. We’re honored to receive this award for the work we are so proud of doing with school nurses.
HSC connects with school nurses through our active school nurse advisory committee, extensive outreach efforts throughout the state, speaking and exhibiting roles at state and national conferences, ongoing communication and advocacy alerts, and our school nurse leadership training series.
By empowering nurses to make improvements in their schools and districts and to shape policy on the state level, HSC is creating a powerful network of advocates who lead change for children’s health.
We thank IASN for this award and look forward to continuing our work together to make schools healthy, safe places to learn and work.
HSC Welcomes New Staff
HSC is pleased to welcome two new staff members, Anayency Elizondo and Michael Trail. Anayency works on data management, event logistics and distribution of HSC’s publications. She is a sophomore at Harold Washington College studying child development and early childhood education. Michael works on data entry and administrative support. He recently moved to Chicago from his home town of Detroit to study sociology at Loyola University. We’re delighted to welcome our two new colleagues!
Plus: HSC is seeking Interns and a Development Associate »
Congratulations to Bloomington Junior High School
Congratulations to Bloomington Junior High School wellness leaders for the work that has led the school to be named one of the healthiest schools in the country in the “America’s Healthiest Student Bodies” contest.
The school offers innovative opportunities for physical activity such as its outdoor adventures program. Changes in the food available at school include eliminating traditional potato chips, reducing dessert size and increasing consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and milk.
"I wanted kids who do healthy stuff at the school to get recognized for what they do," said 13-year-old student Debben Pettie, who nominated her school for the award.
HSC has worked with Bloomington school food service director Connie Mueller on the state school nutrition taskforce, and we applaud her work to make school wellness a reality in Bloomington.
|
