K 446: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025, as School Nurse Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 446 BY: M. of A. Bendett MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025, as School Nurse Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to inform key audiences about the role and value of school nurses in caring for our most precious resource, our youth; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025, as School Nurse Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National School Nurse Day; and WHEREAS, Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses; and WHEREAS, National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting; and WHEREAS, The New York State Association of School Nurses (NYSASN) is the professional organization representing the specialty practice of school nursing in New York State; NYSASN was founded in 1986 by a grass roots group of school nurses who were dedicated in their vision to enhance the practice of school nursing; and WHEREAS, Advocacy is a central tenet of the New York State Association of School Nurses, providing a unified voice for its members; and WHEREAS, The Advocacy Chairperson and committee diligently monitor and provide guidance on legislative proposals that impact the scope and practice of school nursing across New York State; and WHEREAS, Students are the future and, by investing in them today, we are ensuring our world for tomorrow; and WHEREAS, Families deserve to feel confident that their children will be cared for when they are at school; and WHEREAS, All students have a right to have their physical and mental health needs safely met while in the school setting; and WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the essential role school nurses play in student health and academic success; and WHEREAS, School nurses have served a critical role in improving public health and in ensuring students' academic success for more than 100 years; and WHEREAS, School nurses act as a liaison to the school community, families, and healthcare providers on behalf of children's health by promoting wellness and improving health outcomes for our nation's children; and WHEREAS, School nurses are members of school-based teams such as school health services, 504/ IEP, and disaster/emergency planning to address the school population; and WHEREAS, School nurses understand the link between health and learning and are able to make a positive difference for children every day; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to join the National Association of School Nurses in celebrating and acknowledging the accomplishments of school nurses everywhere and their efforts of meeting the needs of today's students by improving the delivery of health care in our schools, and offering gratitude for school nurses who contribute to our local communities by helping students stay healthy, in school, and ready to learn, and keeping parents and guardians at work, not just on School Nurse Day, but at every opportunity throughout the year; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025, as School Nurse Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.