WASHINGTON - Deborah Pontius, a National Association of School Nurses (NASN) board director from Nevada, was among nursing leaders from across the nation who attended the NASN Board of Directors meeting earlier this month, and learned advocacy strategies to advance the goals of school nursing to improve children's health.
Pontius concluded the three-day meeting by participating in NASN's annual Hill Day. On Jan. 31, more than 140 meetings took place with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss NASN's legislative priorities for 2012.
In addition to representing Nevada on the national board of NASN, Pontius, health services coordinator with the Pershing County School District, is an active member of the Nevada State Association of School Nurses affiliate - a partnership of school nurses throughout the state whose mission is to keep children healthy, in school and ready to learn.
Pontius joined other NASN board members in letting the members of Congress know the critical issues affecting student health and wellness in every state and how they impact education.
"At a time when critical budget and policy decisions will determine the future of school health programs in Nevada and the rest of the country, it was essential to emphasize to our lawmakers the need for their continued support of our efforts," Pontius said.
Pontius has been representing Nevada on the national board of directors of NASN for the last three years. She has one more year on her four-year term. In June 2010 she was elected by her board colleagues to the NASN Executive Committee to serve with three of her other board members and the four national officers of the organization at the highest level of national leadership for school nurses.
The goal of all school nurses and NASN is to keep students healthy, in school and ready to learn.
For more information about the Nevada State Association of School Nurses (NSASN) or for more information about NASN visit www.nasn.org and nevadaschoolnurses.com.
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