CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
A shortage of school nurses has some CMS parents concerned, and more than 50 of them met Thursday evening to find a solution.
"A lot of schools don't have a nurse everyday, and I think parents aren't aware of that," said CMS parent Teri Saurer.
Saurer is pushing hard to have one nurse in every CMS school. According to the National Association of School Nurses, North Carolina ranks 31st among states.
In Mecklenburg County, there are 159 schools and 141,000 students. Records show there are 117 nurses. That averages to about 1 nurse to 1200 students. The CDC recommends a 1 to 750 student ratio.
"It's scary when you have kids with illnesses to know they are at school and nobody is there if something happens. You want a nurse there, not have to wait for 911 all the time," said CMS parent Kim King.
The Mecklenburg County statistics have even caused some parents to send their students elsewhere.
"We live within CMS boundaries but we do not send him to CMS schools because they do not have full time nurses," said parent Jennifer Youse.
Jennifer Youse's son has severe allergies, the kind that could kill him if it's not treated properly and immediately.
"I can't chance that a nurse won't be there if he needs an epinephrine pen administered," she said.
Mecklenburg County Commissioners control funding for nurses. It is up to them to include more funding in their budget next year.
Teri Saurer says she will hold more meetings before county leaders craft next year's budget.
For more information email Teri Saurer at schoolhealthadvocacy@yahoo.com
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