Chronic Disease Management in Schools

Children and adolescents in the United States spend many hours in school; therefore, those students who have chronic health conditions might have daily challenges with managing their condition.  Examples of chronic health conditions are asthma, diabetes, food allergies, poor oral health, epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Research shows that some students with chronic health conditions may miss school more often than others. Eventually this may have an impact on academic performance. Schools can help students with chronic health conditions by providing services through a school nurse or at a school-based health center.¹ School health services staff can help students stay at school, safe and ready to learn. In addition, federal and state regulations require schools to provide services and accommodations for students with chronic health conditions.^2,3

• Research Brief: Addressing the Needs of Students with Chronic Health Conditions: Strategies for Schools [PDF – 269KB]
• Research Brief: Chronic Health Conditions and Academic Achievement [PDF – 288KB]

1. Leroy Z, Wallin R, Lee S. The role of school health services in addressing the needs of students with chronic health conditions: a systematic review. The Journal of School Nursing. 2017;33(1):64–72.
2. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act