H1N1 Information
For the most current information on H1N1, visit
http://www.health.ri.gov/flu or call 401-222-8022,
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 :30 p.m.
H1N1 School-Based Clinic Information- A second round of school-based H1N1 flu vaccination clinics will begin on January 11 for children who were younger than 10 years old at the time of their first doses.
The RI H1N1 vaccination schedule contains H1N1 vaccine information for different subsets of the population, including groups prioritized for vaccination.
February 2010
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month!
The Purpose of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
The repercussions of teen dating violence are impossible to ignore - the issue affects not just youth but their families, schools and communities as well. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) brings national focus to the issue of teen dating violence, highlights the need to educate our youth about healthy relationships, raises awareness among those who care for them and provides communities with a critical opportunity to work together to prevent this devastating cycle of abuse. (Source: Teen Dating Violence prevention project)
Take Action!
January 2010
Young artists have an opportunity to possibly save thousands of lives!
The Rhode Island Blood Center has announced a T-shirt design contest and recognition program that will acknowledge one gifted artist and hundreds of students that donate blood three times a year. To learn more about the program, including guidelines and entry information, visit the contest website at www.ribc.org/designforlife.
December 2009
Teen Relationship Violence Escalating
There's been a 600 percent increase of calls and chats to the National Teen Dating Abuse helpline since 2007. See the Katie Couric report on the escalating violence in teen relationships 30% of Teens Report Abuse in Relationships and the CBS video that includes an interview with Ann Burke, mother of Lindsay Ann Burke.
Guide for Preventing and Responding to School Violence
The Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), in coordination
with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, has published a new edition of
its Guide for Preventing and Responding to School Violence. Designed to assist
local communities, the guide describes the roles of the school, community, families,
law enforcement, and justice system in working together to take effective action to
address school violence.
thrive report 
The latest issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. December's focus is Health Disparities.
Lyme Disease Resources
As you know, Lyme Disease is a critical health issue in southern New England. All children should be made aware of the disease, how to avoid tick bites, and the importance of medical treatment. Please see the following helpful resources:
November 2009
Governor Carcieri Presents Governor's Awards for Wellness - Recognizing Innovative Programs to Keep Rhode Islanders Healthy
Congratulations to thrive for being awarded the RI Governor's Award for Wellness Innovation!
RI's Coordinated School Health Program, thrive, the unique collaboration of the RI Departments of Education (RIDE) and Health (HEALTH) to improve the health and wellness of all Rhode Island youth and develop a new generation of healthier adults has been singled out for the award this year. This RIDE and HEALTH coordinated school health partnership has been recognized nationally as a distinctive, innovative and effective effort.
The program has been successful in effecting legislative and regulatory changes; developing and implementing policy, standards-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and designing and providing professional development opportunities for school administrators, policy-makers, teachers, parents, students, and community organizations. The thrive coordinated school health program, website, and e-Academy have been gained international attention and have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as national models.
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Designed to support the nearly 3 million Americans living with epilepsy, the Epilepsy Foundation, along with Discovery Education, have launched Understanding Epilepsy. Understanding Epilepsy offers educators free access to classroom resources that help broaden understanding about seizure disorders. The program also offers training materials for school nurses and administrators, ensuring all school personnel know how to respond when someone experiences a seizure. Available online at www.discoveryeducation.com/epilepsy, educators will find a wealth of free materials developed by the Epilepsy Foundation.
October 2009
H1N1 School Clinic Information
Schools (K-12)
H1N1 School Vaccination Clinics Training
Video
Part One |
Part Two
September 2009
Department of Health Unveils H1N1 Flu Vaccination Campaign Plans; Encourages Early Seasonal Flu Vaccination
Dr. David Gifford, MD, MPH, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announces plans for H1N1 vaccination efforts this fall and encourages Rhode Islanders to get a seasonal flu vaccine now. Vaccination is the easiest and most effective way to protect against the flu.
H1N1 Guidance for Athletic Teams and Athletes
Children/students participating in sports may be at higher risk of spreading illness due to common poor hygienic health practices and close contact with other individuals. The following provides some “common sense” guidance to support efforts that will help decrease the spread of H1N1 and seasonal influenza.
August 2009
CDC Updated Guidance for Schools for the Fall Flu Season
Updated federal guidelines offer state and local public health and school officials a range of options for responding to 2009 H1N1 influenza in schools, depending on how severe the flu may be in their communities. The guidance says officials should balance the risk of flu in their communities with the disruption that school dismissals will cause in education and the wider community. Find the guidance and associated toolkit on the school planning page or watch the video archive of the school guidance news conference.
Health Education in the Real World - Creating Effective Lessons for your Students
A Workshop for Health Educators
Thursday, August 27th, 2009
8:45 am – 3:00 pm
Duncan Lodge, Butler Hospital Campus
345 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, Rhode Island
Click here for registration!
July 2009
Deborah Gist Takes Office as Education Commissioner
Commissioner of Education Deborah Gist on Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
Television Show
In the July episode of the Show, Rhode Island Commissioner Deborah Gist talks about her passion for education, her background, effective practices in education, the state of education in Rhode Island, positioning Rhode Island to seize federal opportunities and the Rhode Island Department of Education's agenda moving forward. The show is produced by Access Rhode Island.
Deborah Gist: Let’s Make R.I. Schools Best in America
June 2009
United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary: The Continued Importance of the Violence Against Women Act
Ann
Burke, RN, M.Ed., President and Founder of the Lindsay Ann Burke Memorial Fund testified
before the U.S. Senate Committee on the "The Continued Importance of the Violence Against Women Act" on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. Click on the following link to review the testimony of Ann Burke at http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/testimony.cfm?id=3898&wit_id=8044.
Rhode Island Department of Health H1N1 (Swine Flu) RI Update
Preventing the Flu:
Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs
Visit the RI Department of Health website for H1N1 updates and information at http://www.health.state.ri.us/pandemicflu/swineflu/swineflu.php.
The Governor's Awards for Wellness Innovation
After Rhode Island was recognized in 2006 as the first "Well State" in the nation by the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA), Governor Carcieri began an awards program to draw attention to the creative or innovative ways that local businesses, schools and organizations promote wellness and healthy lifestyles for their employees, students, customers, or members. The Governor's Awards for Wellness Innovation recognize organizations that have developed creative wellness policies and programs. If your school or organization has developed a creative policy or program to promote wellness through physical activity, nutrition/healthy eating, tobacco control, seat belt use, or healthy weight, you may wish to participate. The application deadline is August 31, 2009. For more information on the Governor's Awards for Wellness Innovation or to apply, visit www.health.ri.gov/wellnessaward.
For additional information, please contact Cheryl Martone at 401-222-2391 or cmartone@gov.state.ri.us.
SAVE THE DATE!
RI Healthy Schools Coalition (HSC) Annual Breakfast for School Leaders
September 17th, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza beginning at 7:15AM. Mark your calendars!
May 2009
H1N1 (Swine) Flu and Schools: The latest information and guidance from the Department of Health about H1N1 Flu and Schools
April 2009
Rhode Island Department of Health Closely Monitors Investigation of Swine Influenza
The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) is collaborating and partnering with state, national and international agencies to monitor the investigation of the cases of swine influenza confirmed in California and Texas. There are no known cases in Rhode Island right now.
For regularly updated information about the swine flu investigation, visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ and the HEALTH website at www.health.ri.gov.
To help stop the spread of germs see the following CDC Cover Your Cough/Clean Your Hands flyers and posters for community and public settings like schools and child care facilities:
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April 2009
Regents Appoint Deborah A. Gist as Education Commissioner
The Board of Regents voted on April 2, 2009 to appoint Deborah A. Gist, the State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia, to serve as the next R.I. Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.
March 2009
RI 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning students at risk.
High school students who identify their sexual identity as something other than heterosexual are more likely to engage in and be victims of risky and violent behavior, according to a report released by the state Departments of Education and Health.
One in 10 high school students in Rhode Island identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual or as unsure of their sexual orientation, according to the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey www.health.ri.gov/publications/SexualOrientationAndHealthRisks.pdf, which, for the first time, includes questions about sexual orientation.
Among other findings, researchers say those students are:
•Four times more likely to have attempted suicide in the past 12 months.
•Almost three times more likely to be threatened or injured with a weapon at school.
•Almost twice as likely to engage in a physical fight.
•More than twice as likely to be hit, slapped or hurt by a girlfriend or boyfriend.
•Three times more likely to have had forced sexual intercourse.
•More likely to do drugs and drink.
•Four times more likely to have skipped school.
"I am concerned that many lesbian, gay, bisexual and unsure or questioning students feel unsafe at school and often miss school because they fear for their safety,” said Peter McWalters, commissioner of elementary and secondary education.
February 2009
The newly passed 2009 Rhode Island Rules & Regulations for School Health Programs are effective as of February 19, 2009.
January 2009
Governor's Challenge - Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Healthy Schools Program
Rhode Island has accepted California Governor Schwarzenegger's challenge to enroll the highest percentage of schools of any state across the nation in the Alliance's Healthy Schools Program. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a partnership between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation whose goal is to stop the nationwide increase in childhood obesity by 2010, and to empower kids nationwide to make healthy lifestyle choices.
- What is the Healthy Schools Program? The Healthy Schools Program provides support to schools to implement programs and policies that promote physical activity and healthy eating among students and staff. Support to schools is based on the Healthy Schools Program Framework, a set of best practice criteria in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and school employee wellness, and the Six Steps to Creating a Healthier School Environment. The Healthy Schools Program will recognize participating schools at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels. Participating schools can receive customized support, implementation support and tools, networking opportunities and a resource database.
Let's show off all that "little Rhody" has accomplished with school wellness by participating in the challenge and becoming a state winner!! Contact Karin Wetherill, RI State Liaison, at 246-2666 or kwetherill@cox.net with any questions.
November 2008
The Peanut Butter Jam Workshop
Due to the overwhelming response in October, we are conducting this one and only additional workshop.
There is NO FEE for the Workshop…
Space is limited. You must register to attend. If you do sign up, please attend or call to cancel, in case there is a waiting list!
Come learn about Food Allergies, the RI Peanut Law, Individual Health Care Plans, School Regulations, Allergy Bullying, and Allergy Resources.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
3:30-6:00 pm
Cranston High School East, 899 Park Ave., Cranston, RI
Cafeteria
Please see attached registration flyer!
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October 2008
New Law: Glucagon Tool Kit
A new Rhode Island law trained non-medical personnel to
administer glucagon to intervene in a diabetes-related emergency if the school nurse is not
available. The Department of Health has been charged with the development of the training protocols and guidelines in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Glucagon Toolkit should be used by the staff that will perform the training on glucagon administration. The toolkit includes:
http://www.health.ri.gov/disease/diabetes/glucagon/index.php
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October 2008
Commissioner’s Search Public Forums
The committee will be available to hear your comments anytime between 4:00 & 6:00 P.M.
Remaining Forums
- Thursday, October 23rd – 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
East Bay Area – East Providence High School Auditorium
- Wednesday, November 5th – 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
South County 2 – Westerly High School Auditorium
- Monday, November 10th – 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
West Bay Area – Warwick Vets High School Auditorium
- Thursday, November 13th – 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Northern RI Area – Davies Career and Tech Center Auditorium
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October 2008
Mini-Grants Available for Schools
New England Dairy & Food Council in partnership with the New England Patriots want to inspire students to play 60 minutes a day and fuel up by eating more of the “Food Groups to Encourage” including low-fat and fat-free milk or milk products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Ten $300 mini-grants are available to schools or school districts within CT, MA, NH, RI or VT for implementation of healthy school challenges utilizing resources found in the School Wellness Activation Kit. Challenges should focus on “Food Groups to Encourage” and/or physical activity.
Three winners will receive a pair of TICKETS to see the New England Patriots take on the Arizona Cardinals at Gillette Stadium on December 21st!!!!
Schools are encouraged to sign up for the FREE School Wellness Kit and apply for the Do Amazing Things! Mini-Grant by going to www.NewEnglandDairyCouncil.org. Applications must be submitted by Friday, November 14, 2008. Grant awards will be announced Monday, December 1, 2008.
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October 2008
Proposed Revisions to the Rules and Regulations for School Health Programs
Proposed revisions reflect the following new legislative requirements and other changes:
- Teen dating violence education and policies;
- Design of physical education curricula and alignment with state standards;
- Clarifying language on health education curriculum requirements;
- Appropriate handling of student health records;
- Food allergy management;
- Diabetes care management and glucagon administration;
- Healthier beverages and snacks;
- Discipline policies for infractions related to possession of weapons, alcohol, or drugs; and
- Addition to list of chemicals prohibited in schools; and
- Updated references.
A public hearing will be held in the Auditorium of the Cannon Building (lower level), 3 Capitol Hill, Providence on Thursday, December 4th at 3:30 P.M.
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September 2008
Expanding Breakfast Awards
New England Dairy & Food Council (NEDFC) is now accepting applications for the 2008 Expanding Breakfast Awards. 1st place ($5,000), 2nd place ($2,000) and 3rd place ($1,000) awards will be given to three schools/districts in CT, MA, NH, RI & VT in recognition of their outstanding expanding breakfast programs. For more information and/or to apply, visit the NEDFC website.
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September 2008
The RI Healthy Schools Coalition’s Breakfast for School Leaders
“Eat Healthy => Get Active => Score High”
The latest RI Healthy Schools Coalition breakfast was another success.
Upon request from several attendees, we have posted the PowerPoint presentation, Secure Your Own Mask First, from the keynote speaker, Dr. JoAnne Owens-Nauslar. Please be patient when downloading, as this is a large document (~5 MB).
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September 2008
The Peanut Butter Jam Workshop
Come learn about Food Allergies, the RI Peanut Law, Individual Health Care Plans, School Regulations, Allergy Bullying, and Allergy Resources. Choose from two Food Allergy Workshops: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 or Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 3:30-6:00 pm at theWarwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick, RI.
Please see attached registration flyer!
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August 2008
The RI Healthy Schools Coalition’s
Breakfast for School Leaders
“Eat Healthy => Get Active => Score High”
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick
7:15am – 9:30am
Join other school and community leaders for information and discussion about the NEW Nutrition Criteria for school meals and the NEW Physical Education Law.
“Better than Ever”
RI Schools Meals RINR 2009
and
“It’s Not a Choice, It’s the Law!”
RI Standards Based PE Curriculum
Also featuring a special presentation by:
Dr. Joanne Owens-Nauslar,
National advocate for active healthy living
……. laugh, learn and get energized
for a healthier school year!
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August 2008
RI Department of Health Immunization Program
Information for Schools-Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
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August 2008
New Peanut/Tree-Nut Allergy Legislation
New legislation, RI 2008 Public Laws, Chapter 08-086 & 08-090, has changed the Rhode Island peanut/tree nut allergy law. Schools districts are now required to develop food allergy policies and schools are now required to develop Individual Health Care Plans and Emergency Health Care Plans for students with peanut/tree nut allergies with potentially severe health consequences.
To provide some guidance on implementing the new law, Deputy Commissioner of Education, David V. Abbott, has disseminated a guidance memo (August 26, 2008) about implementation of this law. In addition, the following supplemental materials are available:
All documents may be downloaded in a single file:
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August 2008
New Law for School Diabetes Management
A new law was passed that allows trained non-medical personnel to administer glucagon to address a diabetes-related medical emergency if the school nurse is not available. Glucagon is administered to people with diabetes when their blood sugar level is dangerously low and the person is exhibiting identifiable symptoms that can lead to brain injury or death.
Please see the August 20, 2008 memo from David V. Abbott, Deputy Commissioner of Education, about implementation of this law in Rhode Island schools.
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July 2008
thrive goes live on Radio Disney!
Listen to a live interview with Midge & Rosemary on RI's Coordinated School Health Program - thrive- that was aired on Sunday, July 20 on Radio Disney - WDDZ 550 AM.
Just click on the Radio Disney icon to hear the interview. You will need to have Windows Media Player or other MP3 software to listen to the interview.
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July 2008
New School Health Legislation
The following laws passed this legislative session:
All of these laws are now in effect. Please see the Legislation page for more information.
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June 2008
2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey - School Briefs
Youth Health Risk Behaviors: How Rhode Island Schools Can Use Survey Data to Create a Healthy Environment for Students: 2007 Update has been published. This school-focused brief describes how schools and districts can use health data for school improvement and strategic planning. This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the 2007 YRBS Summary Report (a combined document is also available. Additional information can be found on the School Health Data page and on the Department of Health website.
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June 2008
2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
The 2007 data from the high school Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) have been released. This year marks a decade of survey data from 1997 to 2007 at the high school level, and for the first time, middle school data are also available. The report, "Health Risks Among Rhode Island Public High School and Middle School Students: 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey" includes a summary of key 2007 data, ten-year trends (high school survey only), and breakouts by grade level related to all of the health topics. Additional information can be found on the School Health Data page and on the Department of Health website.
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May 2008
Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit
The Rhode Island DEM Launches the Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit - An Initiative to Re-Connect Children and Their Families with the Outdoors. For additional information, registration form, and consent form, visit the Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit website, or call (401) 222-2632.
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May 2008
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
The Rhode Island Department of Education has been awarded $250,000 to be dispersed amongst twenty five schools under the USDA “Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program” (FFVP) for the 2008-09 school year. The goal of this reimbursement program is to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to students during the school day outside of the USDA meals program. This is a fantastic way to promote healthier eating in your schools by providing fresh produce in areas outside of the cafeteria! Imagine, a basket of fresh RI locally grown apples in every classroom of your school next fall. An overview of the program can be found at the USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Handbook for Schools.
The success of this program lies in identifying schools that have the creative energy and individuals present to make the program happen. Half of the schools chosen are required to have a free and reduced lunch population of greater than 50% and total funds awarded to each school will be based on school enrollment. If you are interested in having schools in your district considered for this award, please contact Karin Wetherill or Carole Toselli before FRIDAY, MAY 9TH. Please note that applications are no longer being accepted for this.
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May 2008
Legislative Updates
The 2008 Rhode Island legislative session is in full swing. Please check the Legislation, Rules & Regulations page regularly for introductions, hearings, and votes on key school health-related bills.
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April 2008
A Guide to Preventing Bullying, Teen Dating Violence and Sexual Violence in Rhode Island Schools
The Rhode Island Department of Education has released A Guide to Preventing Bullying, Teen Dating Violence and Sexual Violence in Rhode Island Schools. This is a guide to help school and district leaders develop a response and prevention strategy that engages administration, faculty, students, and parents. This document (also available in Word format) includes:
- Model Policy on School Response to Bullying, Teen Dating Violence, and Sexual Violence: A comprehensive, best-practice policy framework to meet the requirements of RIGL §§ 16-21-26 and 16-21-30.
- Federal and Rhode Island Law: A summary of laws that describe and define school and district responsibilities to address abuse.
- Dating Violence Prevention Toolkit: A guide to understanding teen dating violence with tools and strategies to stop abuse before it starts.
- Resources: Books, articles, organizations, and online resources about bullying, teen dating violence and sexual violence.
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March 2008
Congratulations to Rosemary Reilly-Chammat on successfully defending her doctoral dissertation in the Doctor of Education Educational Leadership program at Johnson and Wales University.
It's now official - way to go Dr. Rosemary Reilly-Chammat!
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February 2008
thrive report
The latest issue of the thrive report, Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health newsletter, is now available. February's focus is School Health Services.
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February 2008
thrive goes live!
View the thrive report Fresh From the Field video. This video highlights the Jenks Junior High School, Pawtucket. Watch Jenks Junior High School - thrive live! - school nurse teacher interact with students and get a glimpse of a day in the life of a school nurse. Hear how helping students remain healthy is connected to academic success and see how that philosophy is embodied at Jenks Junior High School.
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January 2008
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bugden!
Rhode Island's Coordinated School Health Program - thrive - congratulates Elizabeth Bugden, RI CSHP School Food Safety Specialist, for being awarded NSF International 2008 NSF Food Safety Leadership Award in Education. This award is designed specifically to recognize the efforts of those extraordinary individuals and organizations in the foodservice industry that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and advancement in areas directly impacting food safety. The award ceremony will be held at the national Food Safety Summit in Washington, DC on March 19, 2008. Look for the national press release in the next several weeks!
Click on the food safety component of a healthy school for additional information and resources on school food safety.
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January 2008
thrive goes live!
View the thrive report Fresh From the Field video. This video highlights the Martin Middle School, East Providence, as they work closely with AIDS Quilt RI Anna's Workshop to put a face on this devastating disease.
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January 2008
Central Falls Tuberculosis Exposure
The Rhode Island Department of Health has released the following information related to the TB case in Central Falls High School:
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Whom do I contact for more information?
Midge Sabatini, Ed.D.
Manager, Coordinated School Health Program
Rhode Island Department of Education
401-222-8952
Midge.Sabatini@ride.ri.gov
Rosemary Reilly-Chammat, Ed.D.
Program Manager, Initiative for Healthy Youth
Rhode Island Department of Health
401-222-5922
Rosemary.Reilly-Chammat@health.ri.gov
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