Health Services

Only prescription medication will be dispensed or stored in the health office. A written request from a physician is required for all non-prescription medicine given at school. No medication will be kept at school unless it meets the established guidelines for dispensing medications and is FDA approved.

Students will NOT be allowed to carry their own medication with the exception of life-saving medications such as inhalers or Epi-Pens, for which a doctor's statement is required. The form is available in the nurse's office, or under the Forms tab here on the website, and must be renewed annually. Students are required to communicate with the nurse when they take those medications so that if additional care is needed, the nurse will be aware of the situation.

Medication Transport Rule: Under no circumstance is a student to bring unmarked medication to school. Students must take all medication directly to the nurse. All daily medications will be left in the nurse's office. Students are NOT allowed to transport medications on the school bus. A parent or guardian must transport the medication to and from the school, and parents must pick up any remaining medication.

The nurse will give no over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or cough syrup, without a doctor's order. Over-the-Counter forms are available in the nurse's office and in the Forms section here on the website. The form must be signed yearly.

Please contact your school nurse with any questions.

A Message to Our Community:

At Poplar Bluff R-1 Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority. To enhance our preparedness for medical emergencies, our district has adopted new protocols in response to Missouri bill SB 68 and the Stop the Bleed awareness campaign. This proactive measure equips our schools with the resources and training necessary to respond effectively to severe bleeding injuries.

Understanding the Stop the Bleed Initiative

Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death from trauma. In emergency situations, it can take several minutes for first responders to arrive. The "Stop the Bleed" program empowers bystanders to act as immediate first responders, providing life-saving care in those critical moments. By training our staff and equipping our schools, we are building a safer environment for everyone.

What this Means for Our Schools

To comply with the new state mandate, we've implemented the following measures:

• Bleeding Control Kits: We have placed bleeding control kits in strategic, easily accessible locations throughout all our schools. These kits are stocked with essential supplies, including tourniquets, gauze, and gloves.
• Staff Training: Our staff will receive comprehensive training on how to use these kits and apply life-saving bleeding control techniques. The training focuses on three key actions: applying direct pressure to a wound, packing a wound with gauze or clothing, and applying a tourniquet when appropriate.
• Developed Protocols: We have developed clear protocols for responding to traumatic blood loss, ensuring a coordinated and swift response in an emergency.

We are proud to take these steps to strengthen our emergency response capabilities and provide a safer environment for our students and staff. We believe that empowering our school community with these skills can make a life-saving difference.