Health Services

The following items will help you decide whether your child is sick and should stay home from school.

• If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or more, they should stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal and remains normal without fever-reducing medication.

• If your child has vomited or has diarrhea, they should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.

• If your child had any rash that may be disease-related or the cause is unknown, check with your healthcare provider before sending them back to school.

If your child is ill, please call the school to report the illness. If you have questions regarding your child's illness, please call your school nurse or healthcare provider.

CLICK HERE to view the "Is My Child Well Enough to Go to School" resource

All medications taken at school, whether prescribed by a healthcare provider or over-the-counter (OTC), must be accompanied by a medication permission form signed by a parent/guardian called the Dispensation of Medication.

Prescription medication requires a healthcare provider signature in addition to the parent/guardian signature. Medication is safely stored in the school health office. Medication permission forms must be renewed each school year.  

When students require medication during the school day, medication is most often administered by the health assistant under the direction and supervision of the licensed school nurse. Medication given at school must be provided to school by a parent/guardian in its original, labeled container. 

Parents/guardians may contact the licensed school nurse at the child’s school to discuss any concerns or special needs, or to request assistance in obtaining required authorization from their healthcare provider.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication (such as antihistamines, pain relievers) may be administered with written parent/guardian permission and instructions on the Dispensation of Medication form. Medication must be supplied by the parent/guardian in the original container with an intact manufacturer label. Roseville Area Schools does not stock OTC medication for students or staff.

Prescription medications administered on a daily or "as needed" (prn) basis must have written authorization by a licensed prescriber and parent/guardian permission and instructions on the Dispensation of Medication form.

Prescription medication (such as a short-term antibiotic) needed for a short period of time (1-14 days) may be administered with only parent/guardian authorization and specific instructions.

Prescription medications sent to school must be in a current pharmacy container. The pharmacy will supply a duplicate, labeled container for school use upon parent/guardian request. 

Prescription medication needs the following information on the label: 

• Student name
• Medication name, strength, amount to be given, dispensing date, directions for use
• Licensed healthcare prescriber name
• Pharmacy name, address, phone number

Some medications may be carried by the student during the school day, depending on age of student, or if it is emergency medication, and only if the required orders from the licensed prescriber and parent/guardian permission form are in the health office. Self-carrying medication also needs to be reviewed by the licensed school nurse.

According to MS Chapter 121A.222 , a secondary student (grade 9-12) may possess and use nonprescription pain relief in a manner consistent with the labeling, if the district has received a written authorization from the student's parent/guardian permitting the student to self-administer the medication.

The parent/guardian must submit written authorization for the student to self-administer the medication each school year. The district may revoke a student's privilege to possess and use nonprescription pain relievers if the district determines that the student is abusing the privilege. Allowed medications include acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). 

Medications covered by the Federal Narcotics Act (such as Ritalin/Methylphenidate, Adderall, etc) will only be administered in the school health office.

Students with life-threatening allergies may carry their emergency medication. For safety at school, we will request to also have the same emergency medication kept in the school health office as a backup. Dispensation of Medication permission form must be completed by the parent/guardian and orders must be provided by the licensed healthcare prescriber. The licensed prescriber and parent/guardian must indicate that the student is allowed to self-carry their medication, and it must be reviewed by the licensed school nurse.

Students with inhalers for asthma in grades 6-12 may self carry their inhaler if they have an Asthma Action Plan signed by a licensed prescriber which states that the student may self-carry, there is permission from the parent/guardian, and the student has completed an assessment with the Licensed School Nurse.

Once final approval by the school nurse is granted, then students in grades 6-12 may self carry their inhaler.  For safety at school, we will request to also have the same medication kept in the school health office as a backup. Students have full access to their inhaler in the school health office under the supervision of health staff, and for many students, self-carrying is not needed.

Medication changes, including a change in dosage, will be made when written authorization from the licensed prescriber and parent/guardian is received.

Discontinued medication will be returned to parent/guardian upon request, or destroyed at the end of the school year. Controlled substances cannot be sent home with students, and must be picked up by a parent/guardian.

At the end of the school year, unused medication will be returned to the parent/guardian upon request. Some medications may be sent home in a student backpack on the last days of school, unless a parent/guardian prefers to pick it up. Medications that may be sent home with the student include over-the-counter medication, inhalers, and life-threatening allergy emergency medication.

It is preferred that parents/guardians pick up their child’s medication at the end of the school year prior to the last day of school. Controlled substances and other prescription medication will not be sent home with students and must be picked up by an adult. Medications left in the school health office after the last day of school will be destroyed. 

At the start of each new school year, new Dispensation of Medication permission forms must be signed,  and new unexpired medication brought to school for the new school year.

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult. Asthma can cause symptoms daily or intermittently. Symptoms can be mild to severe, and various triggers aggravate symptoms such as smoke, respiratory viruses, cold air, allergens, exercise, and more. Each student with a diagnosis of asthma will have a unique profile, and should have an Asthma Action Plan in place at school. An Asthma Action Plan is written by a licensed healthcare provider and explains what medications are needed based on the individual’s symptoms.

There are several examples of Asthma Action Plans available. This Asthma Action Plan from Minnesota Department Health is the form that we provide at school. A student’s healthcare provider may have their own form, which is acceptable. An Asthma Action Plan needs to be signed and dated within the past 12 months by the student’s healthcare provider. If the student will require asthma medication at school, then we also require a medication permission form to be signed by a parent/guardian called the Dispensation of Medication each year.  

Students with inhalers for asthma in grades 6-12 may self carry their inhaler if they have an Asthma Action Plan signed by a licensed prescriber which states that the student may self-carry, there is permission from the parent/guardian, and the student has completed an assessment with the Licensed School Nurse. Once final approval by the school nurse is granted, then students in grades 6-12 may self carry their inhaler.  For safety at school, we will request to also have the same medication kept in the school health office as a backup. Students have full access to their inhaler in the school health office under the supervision of health staff, and for many students, self-carrying is not needed.

Students who have asthma in their school health record will get a summer mailing prior to the start of each school year as a reminder to provide an updated Asthma Action Plan and new medical orders for asthma medication for the new school year. If your child no longer has asthma, please notify the school health office so that “asthma” can be removed from their health record. 
 

• Minnesota Department of Health - Asthma Action Plan
• Minnesota Department of Health -  Asthma home page 
• American Lung Association : This is an information source on lung diseases, including asthma.
• Asthma Summer Camps sponsored by the American Lung Association, called Camp Superkids, are staffed by medical professionals.  Children with a medical diagnosis of asthma who attend have an excellent opportunity to learn to manage their chronic condition. ChIldren who are on Medical Assistance can attend camp for free. Medical orders from your healthcare provider regarding their diagnosis of asthma is part of the application process. Information on upcoming camps typically are available online in winter for the following summer.

If you have a respiratory virus (such as COVID-19, Influenza, or RSV):

• Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache.
• You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
  • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
  • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication)
• When you go back to your normal activities, we recommend taking added precautions over the next 5 days, such as; enhanced hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
  • If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.

Schools report to MDH when 10% of students are absent due to respiratory illness on a given day.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to the health professional in your child's school or program.
 

If you are sick or test positive, CLICK HERE for additional information

Students with diabetes who take insulin at school, and have any other diabetes management medication at school, including emergency medication for hypoglycemia (e.g., Glucagon, Baqsimi),  must have a medication permission form signed by a parent/guardian called the Dispensation of Medication. Medical orders for diabetes management from a licensed healthcare provider are also required. Some clinics expect families to provide a copy to the school and will not fax diabetes management orders to the student’s school. Medical orders are required at the beginning of each school year for the student with diabetes. We rely on families providing updated orders at the beginning of each school year and throughout the year as changes are made.

An Individual Health Plan for Diabetes instructs health services and school staff how to support the student with diabetes during the school day. The licensed school nurse writes an Individual Health Plan for the student, in collaboration with the parent/guardian and following the medical orders for diabetes management. Special care is given to class and lunch times in school, and natural breaks, to minimize classroom interruption. Young students and newly diagnosed students with diabetes will have insulin management in the health office. There can be increased independence with management in the classroom as the student grows in knowledge and personal responsibility. 

Roseville Area Schools Nutrition Services for school breakfast and lunch have the carbohydrate grams posted, which is very helpful to calculate insulin dosages for carbohydrate coverage. Plan ahead if you will send  lunch or snacks from home, as it is very helpful when the carbohydrate count is included in the student’s lunch from home.

• The American Diabetes Association provides an example of a diabetes medical management plan. Typically the student's healthcare provider writes their own diabetes treatment plan medical orders in their own format and provides that to the parent/guardian. A copy of that treatment plan and medical orders must be provided to the school nurse at the start of each school year, and when updates are made during the school year.
• The American Diabetes Association runs summer camps for children with diabetes. These camps are great opportunities for children to gain knowledge and confidence in managing their diabetes. More information can be found at their website. CLICK HERE for information about diabetes camps.
• Children’s Hospital Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic provides excellent educational materials, including 20-minutes videos on the several topics including:
• Diabetes Education Materials and Resources from Children's Minnesota

A concussion is a type of injury to the brain caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Concussions range from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear immediately, or hours or days later. Most people do not lose consciousness.

Common symptoms of a concussion may include:

• Physical: headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, problems with vision, sensitivity to light, balance problems, or dizziness
• Cognitive/Thinking: confusion, difficulty remembering things, difficulty with concentrating, feeling slowed down or foggy
• Emotional: changed behaviors, says “I don’t feel right”, feelings of sadness, irritability, more emotional than usual
• Sleep Changes: drowsy, change in sleep pattern and may be sleeping more or less than usual

Concussions may occur through sport activities or accidents outside of school. Parents/guardians should call the attendance line and report to school health services staff that their student was diagnosed with or suspected to have a concussion.

If your student has a concussion, they may return to school and may be given medical orders for specific accommodations from a healthcare provider. Accommodations can range from a few limitations for a few days, to extensive limitations over weeks, with a gradual return to normal activities. Examples of accommodation orders include no physical education for a period of time, limit screen time, offer periodic breaks.

Please share the medical orders for concussion accommodations with your licensed school nurse. A communication will be sent to your student’s teachers and appropriate support staff regarding the concussion accommodations. As new medical orders are received at follow up clinic visits and accommodations are ended, please share the information with your licensed school nurse. Appropriate interventions are important during the period of recovery so that your student can heal and return to normal activities when they are ready.

When a student bumps their head during the school day, they are observed in the health office and monitored for early signs of a concussion using our Head Bump Checklist. Family is notified and we recommend they continue to monitor for symptoms at home, because some symptoms may first appear hours later. If the student reports feeling well and there are no symptoms at school, the student typically returns to class. However, if the student has symptoms in the first 30 minutes that do not resolve, the student is sent home and the family is encouraged to follow up with their healthcare provider.

Head lice are tiny insects that make their home in human hair. Anyone can get head lice and it is fairly common in school-age children. They are not a sign of poor hygiene. Lice are a nuisance, and it is aggravating for anyone to go through the process of treating and getting rid of them.

Most commonly, head lice are spread by direct head-to-head contact with someone who has head lice. Lice only crawl, they do not jump or fly. They may also be spread by sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, other hair-care items, towels, pillows, hats, and other head coverings. Dogs, cats, and other pets do not spread head lice.

School is seldom the place where transmission of lice occurs. It is common in school-age children because they play with their school friends outside of school, go on sleepovers, attend parties together, play sports together, and go to each other's homes. Those close contact experiences increase the risk for transmitting lice to each other. Close head to head contact is needed for transmission. Families are encouraged to check their students regularly throughout the year.

Roseville follows recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control, Minnesota Department of Health, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association of School Nurses regarding head lice school practices and keeping students in school. Our goal is to minimize missed learning time due to head lice.

Our school practice includes the following:

• Your child will not be required to leave school due to head lice, and you will be notified confidentially if your child has head lice.
• You are not required to tell school if your student has head lice, however the school health office appreciates being notified. 
• We can check your child’s hair in the health office to assess progress during the time you are managing and treating hair at home. Just ask. 
• Treatment should begin at home, as soon as possible once you are aware that your child has head lice.
• A notification letter may be sent for the first reported case of head lice in an elementary classroom. General information may also go out periodically in newsletters. This will make families aware that they should check their child’s hair at home. If you are unsure how to do that, call your school nurse for guidance. 
• Encourage your child to avoid wearing hats, jackets, hoodies, or head coverings of other students.
• Check everyone in the home if one person in the home has head lice. Your school nurse can help by checking siblings at school. Just ask.
• Mass screenings at school are not done.

Minnesota Department of Health on Head Lice

• Download a print version of this fact sheet:
  Head Lice Fact Sheet (PDF)
  • Hmong (PDF)
  • Karen (PDF)
  • Somali (PDF)
  • Spanish (PDF)

Minnesota law requires students to be immunized against certain diseases or have a signed, legal medical or conscientious exemption kept in the student health record. These requirements apply to all students whether they attend public schools, private schools, or home schools. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the school health office in order for the student to enroll or remain enrolled. For more information on immunizations from the Minnesota Department of Health, CLICK HERE.

If a parent or guardian objects to immunizations for either medical or personal reasons, a notarized statement is needed on the Student Immunization form. The notarized statement specifies the immunization(s) the child will not be receiving.

Download the Student Immunization Form or request the form from your child's school health office. This form is the official document for recording immunizations and objections to having your child immunized.

CLICK HERE to Download the Student Immunization Form

• Contact your personal clinic or healthcare provider
• Check to see if you qualify for free or low-cost vaccinations for your child
  • English
  • Hmong
  • Karen
  • Spanish
  • Somali
  • Amharic
• Get more information about Ramsey County Immunization Clinics by calling 651-266-1234 or going to Ramsey County Immunization Clinics

Providing a healthy school environment for our students is a district priority all year long. During the flu season, we're guided by the recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). According to the MDH, students with an influenza-like illness (ILI), which is defined as a fever over 100 degrees with a cough or sore throat, should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication and the child is well enough to participate in school activities.

Please help us track the number of students with flu-like illnesses by calling the school's attendance line each day your student is home sick. Please mention the specific symptoms your student is experiencing.

All public schools in Minnesota report flu-like illnesses to state health officials when the total number of students absent with flu-like illnesses reaches 10% of the total school enrollment. The health department uses the information to track the spread of the flu throughout the state and to help determine if current immunization requirements and recommendations are effective.  No student name or other identifying information is shared with the health department for reporting flu-like illnesses.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Health's influenza (flu) link for up-to-date information about influenza.

Students who are diagnosed with a seizure disorder, or have a history of seizures, should have a Seizure Action Plan in place at school to address specific interventions needed in the event of a seizure. If your child has a seizure disorder, or a history of seizures, please share that information with your child’s licensed school nurse. We want to have an appropriate action plan in place at school for your child.

When students need emergency medication for a seizure (e.g., Diastat, Intensol), a Seizure Action Plan is written and current medical orders for that medication are needed. We require that a Dispensation of Medication permission form is signed by the parent/guardian. The student’s healthcare provider also signs that form or provides a signed medical order for the emergency medication. The licensed school nurse will share the Seizure Action Plan and train staff who work with the student so they understand what seizure signs to watch for and what emergency actions need to be taken. We rely on families providing updated orders at the beginning of each school year and throughout the year as changes are made.

The Epilepsy Foundation provides an example of a Seizure Action Plan. The student’s healthcare provider may have their own action plan as part of the specific medical orders for emergency medication. The licensed school nurse will put the final Seizure Action Plan in place at school. 

This Parent/Guardian Seizure Questionnaire from the Epilepsy Foundation can provide additional details about a child’s seizure history. This information can guide a discussion with the licensed school nurse as we learn about how to best support a child with a seizure disorder while they are at school.

• Epilepsy  (Centers for Disease Control)
• Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota 
• Managing Seizures in Schools (Minnesota Department of Health)

Roseville Area Schools strives to provide a safe school environment for students with life-threatening allergies. The licensed school nurse collaborates with the parent/guardian to determine what accommodations need to be in place based on parent input and medical orders from the healthcare provider. Allergic reactions can vary in severity, appearance, and vary in speed of onset. Each plan is written specifically for that student’s unique profile. 

This Severe Allergy Questionnaire  may be completed by the parent/guardian and brought to the health office, or reviewed and completed with the licensed school nurse over the phone or in a meeting. This helps us create a safe plan at school when we are first informed of a student’s  life threatening allergy and they bring emergency medication to school for the first time. It can also be reviewed when there are any changes over time.

The parent/guardian is asked to provide an Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan from their provider at the beginning of each school year. The school can provide the template plan from the American Academy of Pediatrics' Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan. However, the student’s healthcare provider may use their own Anaphylaxis Plan form. New medical orders are required at the beginning of each school year.  If the plan includes prescribed medication, it must be signed by the healthcare provider. We also require a medication permission form to be signed by a parent/guardian called the Dispensation of Medication each school  year.  Examples of prescribed life threatening rescue medications that require a healthcare provider signature  include EpiPen and AvuiQ. Medications that are over-the-counter, such as Benadryl and Zyrtec, only require a parent/guardian signature. 

The parent/guardian is required to provide emergency rescue medication for their student. It is best when the medication is kept in the health office for consistent access in the event of an emergency at school. Health services staff will send the emergency rescue medications with trained teachers when their student goes on a field trip.

If the parent/guardian requests that the student should carry their emergency medication with them, then a plan is discussed and it is written into the Anaphylaxis Plan.  The healthcare prescriber, parent/guardian, and licensed school nurse must agree that the student needs to have their rescue medication in close proximity and also assess a student's ability to safely possess the medication. Typically a fanny pack is used for the student to self carry their medication along with a copy of their Anaphylaxis Plan. Even when students carry their rescue medication, there should be rescue medication kept in the health office for quick access and to go on field trips.

Minnesota Law on Self-Carry

Licensed school nurses provide training to appropriate staff on identifying allergy symptoms and how to administer the emergency medication. Other reasonable accommodations may need to be in place for the student, such as special placement in the cafeteria when in early elementary grades. Food restrictions within a classroom vary by the age of the student, severity of the allergy, and the ability of the student to self manage their personal space. 

Parents/guardians of students with food allergies are encouraged to: 

• Pack a safe lunch and snack for their child.
• Review the school hot lunch menu for safe options, if they will eat a school lunch.
• Review with their child the importance of washing hands with soap and water or a wet wipe before eating.
• Teach their child to not eat food given to them by others, unless there was a plan made.

Please provide updates. Sometimes a life threatening allergy can change by becoming more severe, or less severe, to no longer being a life threatening allergy. In some cases,  medical interventions have been done that reduce the allergic response. Please keep the licensed school nurse informed of any changes in your child’s life threatening allergy response or treatment.

• American Academy of Pediatrics' Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
  • An emergency plan helps to direct actions when a student has a serious allergic reaction and needs emergency allergy medication.
• FoodAllergy.org 
  • Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) has a fillable Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan on their website, in addition to extensive information on living with food allergies. 
• How a Child Might Describe an Allergic Reaction

All students must have a sports qualifying physical exam on file in the activity office at RAMS (for grades 7-8) or at RAHS (grades 9-12) prior to playing interscholastic athletics. The physical form must state that the student is cleared by their healthcare provider to play sports. Physicals are valid for three years. If a physical expires during the upcoming sport season, a new physical is required before a student will be allowed to register.

Any student-athlete whose physical exam date has not been entered into the registration program cannot proceed through the registration process. Once the date of sports clearance has been recorded in the RAMS or RAHS athletic office, the original form is placed in the student’s health record. Contact your student’s school health office if you need a copy.

The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Qualifying Physical Examination Medical Eligibility Form is available below. It's also available in the activity offices at RAMS and RAHS, in school health offices, or on the MSHSL website. A healthcare provider may have their own sport qualifying form, and that is acceptable if the provider specifies that the student is cleared for their sport, contains the date of the exam, and the form is signed by that healthcare provider. 

Each spring and early summer, there are clinics in our area that offer free or reduced-cost appointments for sports physicals. We will communicate these opportunities via district communications.

CLICK HERE to Download the Sports Medical Eligibility Form

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) states, “Vision screening is the most practical approach to identify children in need of professional services. Early identification and treatment can prevent or alleviate many of the problems that result from impaired vision.”

We understand that the inability to see or hear instruction clearly is a significant barrier to learning and academic success, therefore screening by your licensed school nurse is available in all our schools.

Licensed school nurses conduct vision and hearing screening at school in alignment with the recommendations from the MDH. Teachers may identify a student who appears to struggle to see and then can request that the student is screened. Parent/guardians may also contact their licensed school nurse and request screening for their child.

Schoolwide screening provided in select grades, as recommended by MDH,  are a way to identify students who may need glasses. Students may also be screened as part of a school special education evaluation. Often individuals are not aware that they are struggling to see details at a distance, so screening is helpful to identify those who should follow up with their healthcare provider.

Health screenings that licensed school nurses can provide at school include: 

• Distance vision acuity
• Close vision acuity
• Spot Vision Screener that can identify several different vision conditions
• Eye muscle balance for lazy eye (amblyopia) (for preschool to grade 1)
• Color vision deficiency 
• Hearing

When a student does not pass a vision screen based on criteria established by the Minnesota Department of Health, the licensed school nurse contacts the parent/guardian either by phone, letter, or email. A letter with the details of the screening is sent home regarding a recommendation for follow-up with a healthcare provider.

If the family has a financial barrier to obtaining a vision exam or to replace lost or broken eye glasses, the licensed school nurse may be able to assist them to obtain a medical evaluation for the student. There are organizations that support access to vision exams and glasses if the student is referred by their licensed school nurse.

Hearing screening is conducted for students who are referred by their teacher, by their parent/guardian, or as part of a school special education evaluation.

Students may be assessed by the licensed school nurse when they present with ear discomfort or pain, ear drainage, or present with behaviors that could be related to impaired or fluctuating hearing. The parent/guardian is contacted either by phone, letter, or email to explain the results of the assessment. A letter may be sent home recommending follow up with a healthcare provider based on criteria established by the Minnesota Department of Health. Our school district partners with Intermediate District 916 to help support families in accessing further hearing assessment.

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Website for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) with general information related to child health and guidance on parenting issues
• Anaphylaxis Action Plan (pdf)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Website for the nation’s health protection agency
• EPA: Federal website for the United States Environmental Protection Agency
• Fitness for Children (Healthy Children): Webpage from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) with resources for family fitness
• Food Allergy Research & Education: Website for FARE, an organization enhances the lives of individuals with food allergies empowering them to lead safe, productive lives
• Free or Reduced Cost Health Care: MDH list of links to various programs and agencies that offer free or reduced cost health and dental care.
• How a Child Might Describe an Allergic Reaction (pdf)
• Influenza Prevention (CDC): Webpage from the CDC about preventing the seasonal flu.
• Minnesota Department of Health
• Minnesota Health Care Programs (pdf)
• Resources to Find Low-Cost Health Care or get Health Insurance from MDH, available in 20 languages.
• MNSure: A statewide resource that provides access to private health insurance and public medical assistance programs.
• MN Homeless Shelter Directory: If you are experiencing homelessness or inconsistent housing, contact your school social worker for more resources
• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH): Website for our state health department. Information on vaccine preventable diseases, resources, where to get vaccines at free and low-cost clinics, and more. The MDH vision is for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving and all people have what they need to be healthy.
• Nutrition- My Plate (CDC): Website from the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion advancing and promoting dietary guidance for all Americans.=
• Vaccines and Immunizations (CDC): Federal vaccine guidelines from the CDC

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (1-800-SUICIDE/1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-TALK/1-800-273-8255 or text 1-800-799-4889): 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: (888-373-7888): Report potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases; connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe
• National Parent Helpline (855- 4A PARENT/855-427-2736): Get emotional support from a trained advocate and become empowered and a stronger parent
• Poison Control (800-222-1222): A free and confidential resource that tells you what to do if you swallow, splash, or get stung by something that may be harmful
• Ramsey County Child Protection (651-266-4500): 24/7 crisis hotline to report suspected child maltreatment and get support from a child protection social worker
• Ramsey County Children’s Crisis Response (651-266-7878): 24/7 crisis hotline for children in the midst of a mental health crisis