Gila River Healthcare School nurses are on the front lines. Our mission is to promote the health, wellness, and academic success of children in the Gila River Indian Community attending GRIC Schools. School nurses help overcome barriers, address disparities, and provide culturally relevant care. As students face challenges ranging from chronic illnesses to mental health struggles, comprehensive, accessible care from school nurses supports safe, supportive environments and academic success. They are uniquely qualified to address critical healthcare needs, ensuring students thrive in the classroom and beyond.

The school nurse's role includes increasing students' access to healthcare. School nurses advocate for health equity by collaborating with the following GRHC departments: Pediatric, Optometry, Dental, Behavioral Health, and School Counselors. Our goal is to connect students with providers for well-child exams, immunizations, sports physicals, chronic disease management, illness care, preventative care, and mental health support.

School nurses see sick and injured students in the nurse's office and assist with medications. In addition, the school nurses offer preventive healthcare services at schools, including annual vision and hearing screenings, immunization surveillance, and flu clinics for students enrolled in Gila River Indian Community Schools and Head Start programs.

SHS Health Educators provide preventative health education classes at schools and the Head Start programs. In addition, medical career classes are offered for grades K-12 to increase exposure to health careers. This is coordinated with the AIH-AHEC Medical Careers Grant through the 'Elev8' Program.

We are looking forward to seeing our students become part of the future GRHC team.