GOP Privatization: Healthcare Meets Education. Too bad for us Sick People

[berni_mccoy]

This story outrages me. We have two boys, both with type 1 diabetes. Our public school system treats us with respect and works with us to provide the care the boys need while they learn. Thank goodness they aren't in private school:

(Sorry for the link to a fox site, but it's the only place I could find reporting the story)

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=69FC9ABE4B57108970FD7E2AEC6621B3?contentId=4220282&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1">Link to Story

An area mom says the private school where she sent her son for years now won't let him attend because he has Diabetes. He's been medically suspended. The school says it doesn't have staff adequate to supervise as the boy gives himself insulin shots. But as Jennaphr Frederick reports, the boy's mother argues Diabetes isn't some exotic disease and the school needs to do more to accommodate her son's medical needs.

As I have posted here before, the next time ANY REPUB says the word "PRIVATIZE" remind them of the disaster of our Healthcare system. Remind them of the disaster of the Iraq War which has been more privatized than ANY OTHER WAR. Remind them of Private School systems that can turn children away for being sick.


:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

(Edited to fix link)

[BattyDem]

1. Kicked out for diabetes??

You're telling me that the school doesn't even have a nurse who is capable of dealing with something as common as diabetes?

:wtf:

My dog has diabetes. I know how to test both his blood and urine glucose levels. I also give him insulin shots twice a day. I have NO medical training at all. Yet there's NO ONE at the school who can do any of that??? What happens if a child gets sick or injured while at school? :shrug:

[Warpy]

2. The school doesn't NEED a nurse

Diabetic school age children are generally self care. They know how to check their sugar. They know how to administer the insulin they need if they need extra. They know if they start to feel bad and a teacher who knows absolutely nothing about medicine is capable of dialing 911.

This school needs to be slapped with a lawsuit for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, at the very least.

[BattyDem]

4. It has nothing to do with age or the ability to take care of themselves

In my state, before a child can bring any medication to school (prescription or OTC), the parents and the child's doctor must fill out the proper forms. The medication must be given to the nurse, who will dispense it to the child at the proper time. The kids are NOT allowed to self medicate - with the exception of asthma inhalers or epi-pens (for allergic reactions) and even then, the forms have to be on file. The age of the child is irrelevant. Is the law different in other states? :shrug:

Every school should have a nurse. Not just for diabetics, but for safety. Things happen. Sometimes the care given before the ambulance gets there can make a big difference. JMHO

Public schools are often forced to share nurses because of funding cuts, but private schools can incorporate a nurse's salary into the tuition. There's no excuse not to have a nurse on staff.

On edit -- I agree with you 100%: I think it's a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act ... but unfortunately, private schools are allowed to expel anyone for any reason. However, if they are receiving taxpayer dollars, they should have to operate under the same rules as public schools!

[berni_mccoy]

3. Another good reason that Vouchers should be illegal. If the private schools can't live up to the

Public school standard, then taxpayer money shouldn't go to them.

[supernova]

5. Bet it has more to do with ins liability than anything

Additionally, since it's a private school, they are legally allowed to expel anyone they deem unfit or not conforming to the general population of the school. Yes, even something as benign as diabetes where the kid knows what to do, you just have to make sure they do it.