School Health

Your stories show the real difference early hearing detection makes — and we’re proud to support you every step of the way.

Everything Your Screening Program Needs — in One Place

We’re always looking for ways to make your shopping experience faster, easier, and more convenient. Check out our latest website updates designed to help you manage orders, pricing, tax status, and more—all in one place!

Quote-to-Order Capability

If you’ve received a quote number from us, you can now easily create a sales order from it with the click of a button—saving time and streamlining the process.

Order Status Displayed

Detailed, line-by-line order status is available on your orders page for any order placed online, or even via email or phone.

Contract Pricing Visibility

For customers under contract, pricing displayed on the website will now match your contract rates, ensuring transparency and accuracy. Learn about our contract options here.

Tax Exemption Status

If you’re logged in, you’ll now see tax exemption messages in these locations:

• My Account Dashboard: Check your exemption status at a glance.
• Shopping Cart: Know before you check out if items are tax-exempt.
• Checkout: Confirm your exemption for peace of mind.

See for yourself! Head to the School Health website and experience all the new improvements that make ordering, tracking, and managing your account effortless.

Have any questions or want to share your feedback? Feel free to contact marketing@schoolhealth.com! 

After 33 years, we’re ending our Day in the Life of a School Nurse catalog cover series. We know how much this cover series has meant to many of our customers over the years, so we wanted to take some time to highlight the artist behind it all: Mike Hagel. Susan Rogers, School Health’s Chief People Officer, spoke with Hagel about the impact of his cover series and what it meant to him. 

SUSAN: Can you tell us a bit about the history of this series and how you started working with School Health?

MIKE: We were introduced to each other through School Health’s advertising agency. When I spoke to Bob Cormack, Susan Rogers’ father and president of School Health at the time, he said he was looking for an artist who could paint in the style of Norman Rockwell to make their catalog covers. I did a lot of paintings in this style because it was popular and not a lot of people were doing it, so I suggested a Day in the Life of a School Nurse series. I created the first painting for the cover series in 1992.

SUSAN: School Nurses have loved this series over the years. What do you hope your impact on school nurses is through this series of paintings? What do you want them to know?

MIKE: I tried to encapsulate a day in the life of what a school nurse might be going through – the pain or the fun. For example, the cover about depression highlighted a serious issue and I felt like I was able to highlight the moment while also bringing some lightheartedness to it. Rockwell used to draw some serious stuff, too.

I always enjoyed doing this series, and I am glad to be a part of capturing the important work school nurses have done.

SUSAN: How did you find your inspiration for the cover every year? 

MIKE: Early on, I would come up with the scenario for the cover, and then I would work with School Health to add some of their products into the image. Eventually, I worked closely with the Rogers and Cormack families to decide on a subject that we wanted to address.

Besides the school nurses at NASN, we wanted to make sure that the cover was never too serious. If it did address something on the more serious side, I would always try to add a little softness to the piece with a Rockwell-style smile on one of people in the painting.

SUSAN: Why has this series been important to you over the last 33 years?

MIKE: This series has been great – I have enjoyed it. Every year was a challenge. I have gotten to meet many nurses at NASN over the years, and I would get ideas for future covers from them, too. I loved seeing the nurses at the conference – I felt like Elvis Presley with them! They would line up at my table, and I would personalize each signing.

SUSAN: Tell us a little bit about how you picked your models for each painting. Who did you use as inspiration?

MIKE: I would use neighbors and friends as models. The first cover featured my son and daughter along with some of their friends. I had a friend in the neighborhood that was the school nurse and I used her as a model for the first few catalog covers. The last cover I did featured my daughter-in-law and my grandson.

SUSAN: Which cover is your favorite and why?

MIKE: The 2019 cover. I had an image in mind that I wanted to draw after working with the school nurses for so many years.  It’s the one with the student listening to the school nurse’s heart with a stethoscope. 

1. “Can I hurt someone if I use an AED?”
This is one of the most common fears and one of the biggest barriers to action. AEDs are designed to be foolproof—they analyze the heart rhythm and will not deliver a shock unless it’s needed. You can’t make the situation worse by using one.

2. “Do I need to be trained to use one?”
Many people assume AEDs are only for medical professionals, but that’s not the case. AEDs provide clear step-by-step voice and visual prompts that guide the user through the process. While training is helpful, anyone can use an AED in an emergency.

3. “When should I use an AED vs. CPR?”
It’s not an either-or situation—you use both. Start CPR right away, apply the AED as soon as it’s available, and follow the device’s instructions. Together, CPR and AED use give someone the best chance of survival.

4. “Will it shock someone who doesn’t need it?”
No. AEDs analyze the heart rhythm before delivering a shock and will only shock if a shockable rhythm is detected. If a person has fainted or doesn’t need a shock, the AED simply won’t deliver one.

5. “Can AEDs be used on children?”
Yes. AEDs can and should be used on children. Pediatric pads or settings lower the energy level when available, but if they aren’t, adult pads can still be used. Using an AED is always better than waiting.

6. “Are AEDs always ready to use?”
Many people assume an AED works forever once it’s installed, but that’s not true. Pads expire, batteries have a limited lifespan, and regular readiness checks are critical. This lack of awareness is one of the biggest gaps in AED preparedness.

7. “Where are AEDs located?”
In an emergency, people often don’t know where to find an AED. Devices should be clearly marked, registered, and included in emergency action plans—but many facilities don’t communicate locations as well as they should. It is recommended that everyone familiarizes themselves with where AEDs are located in each building they visit, especially at sporting events. Whether they are staff, student, parent or visitor, they should always identify where the nearest AED is to where they are located.

8. “Am I legally protected if I use an AED?”
In most cases, yes. Good Samaritan laws generally protect individuals who act in good faith to help during an emergency, including using an AED.

9. “One AED is enough for a building.”
Survival rates drop rapidly after 3–5 minutes, so placement and response time matter more than simply owning an AED. Many facilities underestimate how many devices are actually needed to provide adequate coverage.

10. “AEDs are only for cardiac patients.”
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone—students, athletes, staff, and visitors—often without warning. AEDs aren’t just for people with known heart conditions; they’re for everyone.

We're here to help you with everything AEDs. Have more questions? Let's meet. 

Schools rely on consistent pricing to manage tight budgets. But when prices change without warning, it becomes harder to buy what students need — and harder to stretch every dollar.

Unexpected prices can derail even the best planned school budgets. According to a recent report by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Amazon Business does not guarantee locked-in prices, resulting in huge pricing swings for schools. Traditionally, schools use contracts with local suppliers, like School Health, who bid to offer the best rates.

So, what does using a platform with fluctuating pricing mean for schools? Well, an employee of one school district could purchase a 12-pack of markers for $8, but an employee at a different school district in the same area might end up buying the same pack of markers for $20.

That deal you think you are getting? You may want to reconsider!

School budgets are already very tight and the lack of transparency when it comes to business practices like this make it even harder for schools to get what they need and use their budgets efficiently. Plus, according to the report, a price comparison between Amazon and an independent supplier found that the independent supplier was able to beat Amazon’s prices on 68 percent of products.

Shop Smarter & Discover the School Health Difference

School Health offers reliable, budget-friendly pricing, support for multiple state and national contracts, and PunchOut integration — making the buying process simple. Plus, our team of Specialists can guide you to the solutions that fit your students’ needs and meet your unique budget.

Shop the brands you trust: With our curated selection of quality supplies and name-brand equipment at consistent prices, you’ll always know what you’re getting with School Health.

This is great news for school-based professionals, like our customer, Brenda, who said, “Your company never fails our school nurse. Everything that we order is always in stock and shipped out within 2 to 3 days of placing the order."

Real-person support from start to finish: Our team is here to help you place your order and ensure it’s delivered to you on time. Not satisfied with your order, or have questions? Our in-house customer care team is here to help. Plus, our experts offer product training on vision and hearing screening devices, professional development for our curriculum, and more.

One of our customers, Elizabeth, had this to say about her experience: “The customer service representative I spoke was so kind, she made my experience so easy!!"

Taking the guesswork out of shopping: From our catalogs to our pre-made supply lists, we’re your one-stop partner – helping you make shopping more convenient and purchasing more streamlined.

Another one of our customers, Ashley, said, “I find your site easy to use and love that I can search by a product number for quicker ordering. I also had an issue getting a coupon to work and emailed School Health Representative, Tim Michigan, back to let him know that it was causing an error and he got back to me so quickly and was willing to help me.”

Price Match Guarantee and Free Shipping: Our products are competitively priced, and our price matching policy guarantees we will match a price in a competitor’s catalog for the same published year, for identical items and quantities. Plus, qualifying orders over $125 get free shipping!

For the last 70 years, our mission has been to support education professionals, like you, by providing the quality supplies and equipment you need to help students succeed and stay healthy. Ready to discover the School Health difference? Connect with us today.

Clear vision is foundational to student success, but traditional screening tools often slow down workflows, miss key indicators, or create challenges for students who can’t complete standard eye charts. That’s why more districts are turning to instrument-based screening, and one device consistently leads the charge: the Spot Vision Screener.

In our latest webinar, Micah Freeman, MSN, RN, from Trenton Public School District, shared firsthand from the school nurse’s perspective how the Spot truly allows schools to screen smarter and improve overall academic performance in the classroom.

Why the Spot is a Game Changer:

Unlike traditional tools that require verbal responses, letter recognition, or precise student cooperation, the Spot Vision Screener is a portable, instrument-based device that empowers nursing staff to screen children of all ages both accurately and efficiently in a short amount of time.

• Screens from a comfortable, three-foot distance—no touching, no complicated instructions.
• Uses lights and gentle sounds to hold students’ attention.
• Features a 97% capture rate, generating results of both eyes in just seconds.
• Displays results instantly so nurses know immediately if a full eye exam is recommended.

“Purchasing the Spot Vision Screeners was an investment in our nursing staff. We knew it would make their jobs easier to complete.” – Micah Freeman

Spot’s Benefits from Nurses’ Lens:

Nurses have been specifically impressed with how quick the Spot screens, its ease of use, and how it helps them productively meet district goals for screenings. They have also observed improvements in students with vision issues who received follow-up care, such as enhanced reading skills and positive behavioral changes. Core benefits include:

• Speed: Screens an entire class quickly, with minimal training required for new staff.
• Accessibility: Ideal for individuals with special needs, attention issues, or language barriers.
• Accuracy: Identifies amblyopia and refractive errors that standard charts often miss.
• Consistency: Offers objective, repeatable results, ensuring state screening requirements are met.

“We consider these strategic purchases that allow us to meet state mandates, but more importantly, help support overall academic success of our students, as vision loss is often tied to literacy and behavior issues in the classroom.” – Micah Freeman

To get the most out of instrument-based screening, schools have found these strategies especially effective:

• Using a dimmed room to reduce glare.
• Keeping students lined up and ready to maintain flow.
• Positioning the device about three feet away for optimal capture.
• Reducing environmental distractions to help students stay engaged.
• Leveraging teachers or support staff to assist younger grades or large groups.

Tips for Implementation & Training:

• Host a professional development day to kick off initial Spot Vision Screener training.
• Bring in the School Health team for on-site, hands-on instruction.
• Have nurses complete at least two screenings to build confidence with the device.
• Schedule refresher sessions a few months later with School Health for any refresher training needed.
• Encourage experienced users to train new staff within the district.

What You Get Working with School Health:

• Expert training: Receive personalized support tailored to your district’s unique needs from experts who know school workflows and state requirements.
• Baxter Service Program: Enjoy peace of mind with comprehensive coverage, maintenance, and support for your devices, at no extra cost.
• Robust inventory levels: With our wide assortment of screening tools readily available, you’ll always have everything you need to keep your program running smoothly.
• Exclusive rebates: Savings on new Spot Vision Screener purchases help stretch your budget further while implementing cutting-edge vision screening equipment.

At School Health, we’re more than just a distributor. We’re your full-service partner for building a vision screening program that makes a lifelong difference in students’ lives.

Start transforming student vision care today by connecting with our team.

“We praise our school nurses for following up with the referral to the parents to make sure students who need vision corrections get the treatment that they need. When students come to school with their new glasses, our nurses feel they’ve helped make a difference in their lives.” – Micah Freeman

Vision screening isn't just a best practice—it’s a requirement in most states. Experts say that 1 in 4 school-aged children have an undiagnosed vision problem that can interfere with their ability to learn, making regular vision assessments critical. The challenge? The “what, when, and how” of screenings look completely different from state to state— from which grades require testing to what equipment can be utilized.

In our recent webinar, School Health’s Senior EHR, Vision, and Hearing Specialist, Maryellen, broke down state vision screening guidelines and shared best-practice strategies to help districts build a reliable, compliant screening program for better student outcomes.

Why State Screening Mandates are a Must:

• Early detection of amblyopia and refractive errors is crucial to prevent vision disorders from hindering a child’s development.
• Accessibility for children who are non-verbal, have developmental delays, or language barriers (ESL).
• Accuracy in identifying risk factors before school age.
• Education and development to ensure all children have an equal opportunity to succeed in school.
• Improve academic performance as vision problems can directly impact a student’s ability to learn, read, and thrive in the classroom.

Quick Guide to Navigating State-Level Guidelines:

1. Understand state requirements: Each state has its own mandates for frequency, grade levels, and types of vision screening. Find state-specific tools that align with your needs here.
2. Align with evidence-based practices: Use validated screening tools, like the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener, and follow standardized procedures.
3. Train and certify screeners: States often specify who can conduct screenings.
4. Foster strong follow-up systems: Track referrals and confirm that students get eye exams and treatment.

State-by-State Vision Screening Requirements:

Approximately 40 states and the District of Columbia mandate vision screening for school-age children, though the specific grade levels and screening frequency vary significantly. Preschool screening is required in about half of all states, and Head Start adds another layer of expectations by requiring evidence-based vision screenings within the first 45 days of enrollment. While not a mandate, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also influences best practices by recommending instrument-based screening beginning at 12 months and continuing annually until a child is ready for traditional visual acuity testing.

Best Practices Checklist for Compliance

                                                                                                                                                                               Source: Prevent Blindness

Clear vision is the gateway to learning, and a strong program plays a pivotal role in student success. With the right tools and expert guidance from School Health, districts can build confident, effective programs that make a meaningful difference for the students they serve.

Ready to take the next step towards healthier student vision? Connect with our specialist for personalized guidance on navigating your state’s guidelines, training support, and more.

When a student collapses and seconds matter, will your school be ready? Or will confusion slow your response? In our recent webinar, emergency preparedness experts shared what every school health professional needs to know about knowing what to do during a cardiac emergency. AED legislation varies from state to state and changes often, so it’s critical to stay informed and ensure your school is always in compliance.

Types of AED Legislation in Schools

The intricacies of AED legislation can make it challenging for schools to stay compliant, especially if you don’t fully understand what’s required. Each state has its own laws that can vary widely, and nearly every state has proposed new AED legislation. Much of it targets schools, often creating a “follow the leader” effect as states model their requirements after others. Staying on top of these changes isn’t just smart — it’s essential to keeping your school prepared and protected.

Common elements of AED legislation include:

• Good Samaritan/Civil Liability: A legal protection to those who voluntarily offer assistance
  • Schools: Generally covered if they comply with laws and AED is maintained and tested according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • Personnel: Generally covered if staff or bystanders use the AED in an emergency in “good faith” and without “willful or wanton misconduct”.
  • Trainers: Individuals or entities providing training are generally covered if they comply with statutory requirements and without “willful or wanton misconduct”.

• Basic AED Placement Laws: Having AEDs in the proper locations
• AED Use Reporting Laws: Reporting every incident an AED is used
• AED Training Requirements: Who, if any, must be trained?
• AED Placement Laws: Which entities must have an AED?

SH Connect's law center lets you easily review current and upcoming regulations to keep your school informed of urgent updates. 

AED Placement in Schools

• 37 states require at least one AED on site at schools
• Many states require AEDs to be registered with local EMS
• Some states: 
  • Require AEDs at all athletic events
  • Require AEDs at all school sponsored events
  • Require AEDs in prominent locations around buildings
  • Try for AED placement allowing a 3-minute response time
  • Differentiate between public and private schools

Get a better idea of your state's AED requirements using the map below.

*CERP = Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. Learn more about CERPs here.

AED Training Requirements

Some states have few or no mandates for AED training, while others have multiple. Most commonly, athletic coaches and trainers need to stay certified, usually renewing every two years through the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Red Cross. In some states, schools take it a step further by establishing emergency response teams with certain personnel.

It’s not just staff—many states require students to have AED training or education, sometimes making it a high school graduation requirement. In some places, students start learning as early as 7th grade as part of their health curriculum.

Staying compliant and prepared doesn’t have to be complicated. School Health has the tools and expertise you need to create a complete AED Emergency Plan—so your staff knows exactly what to do when every second counts. 

Why wait? Get a no-obligation consultation to help ensure your school is ready for a cardiac emergency.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Webinar Recording
• SH Connect Compliance Management System
• AED Drill Checklist
• Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Example 1 & Example 2
• CPR & AED Training Equipment & Courses

Cardiac Emergency Response Plans

When a student collapses on the gym floor, there’s no time to wonder who should call 911 or where the AED is kept. Chaos, hesitation, or confusion in those critical moments can cost a life. A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) ensures that every second is used to save one. That’s why CERPs are becoming mandated across the country — 38 states and counting now require schools to have a clear, written protocol for exactly what to do when every second matters.

Common elements of a CERP include:

• A designated Cardiac Response Team (CERT)
• Clear protocols for activating the CERP and EMS
• A CERP communication plan for EMS, staff, students, and parents
• Integration with local EMS
• Trained and assigned staff with specific roles
• Accessible AEDs with documented locations
• Annual review and drills (including practice drills)
• Post-event debriefing for review and reflection of what went well and what could be improved on

[See CERP examples: Example 1 & Example 2]

Developing a Cardiac Emergency Response Team

Creating an effective Cardiac Emergency Response Team (CERT) starts with involving your school administration and nurse. The school nurse or health coordinator plays a significant role in planning and implementing the team, while the school administrator or principal provides overall command and coordination during an emergency.

A strong team includes CPR- and AED-trained staff members. Ideally, your team should include a at least 5–6 individuals to ensure coverage across different areas of the school. Athletic staff and coaches, security or custodial staff, and office or front desk personnel are all important members who can respond quickly when minutes matter.

It’s essential to remember that response plans are not one-size-fits-all. Each plan should be tailored to your school’s unique layout, population, and resources.

When developing your response plan, clearly assign the following responsibilities:

• Calling 911: Quickly alerting emergency services
• Retrieving the AED: Ensuring it reaches the scene immediately. AED placement is crucial – our emergency preparedness expert can help you make sure your AEDs are located within 3 minutes of every location in your school.
• Performing CPR: Having a second rescuer ready to assist and switch every two minutes. Need help with CPR training or keeping track of certifications? We have tools to make sure everyone is always ready. Contact us.
• Record Keeper: Documenting actions taken during emergency

By defining roles and responsibilities ahead of time, your school can respond to cardiac emergencies efficiently and effectively, giving students and staff the best chance for survival.

Several states have specific requirements for schools to have CERPS in place:

• Illinois: All public schools must have CERPs starting January 1, 2025
• New York: Requires CERPs with AED plans and trained personnel for all public schools
• Mississippi: Mandates CERPs beginning with the 2024–2025 school year
• Virginia: All public elementary and secondary schools must develop and practice CERPs annually.
• Maryland: Middle and high schools must have venue-specific emergency action plans for athletic facilities by July 1, 2024
• Kansas: New requirements take effect January 1, 2025
• Some states: 
  • Require CERPs and AEDs only at athletic events
  • Require CERPs for all school events and hours
  • Differentiate between public and private schools
  • Make compliance dependent on funding availability
    • Funding can entail direct state funding
    • State grant programs focused on disadvantaged schools
    • Allowing for the acceptance of donations

Laws vary by state and frequently change — SH Connect simplifies compliance by helping you track the latest AED and CERP requirements in your state.

Cardiac Emergency Response Team Training

A key part of Cardiac Emergency Response Team (CERT) training involves performing practice drills at least twice a year, which can be done with or without students present. To make drills realistic, it’s recommended to inform your CERP team that a drill will occur within a given timeframe, but don’t tell them the expected day or time.

For the drill, you’ll need:

• A CPR manikin
• An AED trainer
• An AED drill checklist
• CERP team members

After the drill, ask questions like:

• What went well/poorly?
• Were there any delays or confusion?
• Are AEDs accessible and functioning?

We're your one stop partner for everything emergency preparedness. With our tools and equipment

Looking for assistance on building a quality Cardiac Emergency Response Team tailored to your school? Connect with us.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

• AED Drill Checklist
• Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Example 1 & Example 2
• SH Connect Compliance Management System
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Webinar Recording
• CPR & AED Training Equipment & Courses

October isn’t just the month for costumes and candy. It’s also Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month — a time to spotlight the leading cause of death that strikes without warning and affects over 350,000 people outside of hospitals each year.

SCA Survival Depends on Two Things:

1. Immediate and effective CPR
2. Quick access to and implementation of a working AED

The scariest part of all is when an AED is simply not ready when you need it most, which can cost lives. Manual AED checks are like chasing shadows. One moment they’re there—checked boxes, scribbled signatures, clipboard in hand—and the next, they’ve vanished. Paper logs mysteriously disappear. Tasks slip through the cracks. Human error sneaks in. And just when you think you're compliant...surprise! You're not.

This October, Ask Yourself:

• Have any AED pads or batteries expired?

• Do we know when each AED was last fully inspected — or even who’s responsible for doing the checks?

• Can we provide compliance and readiness if asked today — by parents, administrators, or regulators?

No More Haunting “What Ifs?” — with SH Connect

In schools, where safety matters most, relying on paper trails and guesswork is similar to walking through a haunted house blindfolded.

SH Connect is your all-in-one solution for emergency equipment management. No more late-night hunts for missing logs or second-guessing what was checked — or if it was checked at all. Our platform gives you real-time oversight of every inspection, every asset, and every requirement, all on one spooky-free, stress-free dashboard.

Chasing compliance shouldn't be a nightmare. Let SH Connect help you keep students and staff safe this spooky season and the ones to come. 

Connect with us to learn more.