160+ School Nurses Attend Georgia STOMP Webinar!
On Monday, February 24th, Georgia STOMP, in cooperation with partner, Georgia Association of School Nurses (GASN), held a webinar for school nurses to learn more about the funding available for the purchase of period products in Georgia’s schools. The webinar was hosted by the Department of Education (DOE), with Matt Cardoza, Assistant Director of Policy and External Affairs, providing crucial assistance both operationally and as a participant, answering questions from attendees.
Lynne Meadows, GASN State Director, has worked closely with Georgia STOMP to assist school nurses efficiently distribute funds allocated by the state for the purpose of providing feminine hygiene products in schools. This webinar was a natural next step in the GASN/Georgia STOMP partnership.
Over 160 nurses/counselors/social workers joined online to learn how the money was distributed and hear three case studies regarding best practices underway in Georgia. Distribution programs in Muscogee County (Florene Dawkins), Troup County (Tabitha Coverson) and Marietta City Schools (Dr. Rona Roberts) were highlighted. Additionally, Dr. Andrea Swartzendruber from UGa’s College of Public Health, discussed the need for these products and the negative effects on learning, self-image and development, that a lack of period products can cause.
A Q&A session at the conclusion of the presentations was fully utilized by nurses, with questions submitted from all over the state. With GASN, DOE, Georgia STOMP, experienced nurses and those leading the state with successful wrap-around services, all in the room, it was an informative session of learning what the money can, and cannot, be used for and how to spend it.
If you missed the webinar, it is well worth a listen. You will find it here.
Thank you to all our presenters and to GASN and DOE for such a fruitful partnership!
