The School Health Program maintains a registered nurse in every public school across Monroe County. Nurses work with students, parents, school staff, and administrators to keep children and school settings healthy. The program provides a registered nurse in each public school and one charter school. Our team is also comprised of school health techs as needed.
The Monroe County School Health Team provides value to students and their families in countless ways.
Services
Student Health
- Assess and care for illnesses, injuries, chronic conditions, and acute health concerns, with parent/guardian consent.
- Assist with medications and medically necessary procedures during the school day.
- Identify health concerns, make referrals, and connect students and families with community resources.
Health Requirements and Screenings
- Review compliance with required physicals and immunizations, contact families, and help reduce barriers to care.
- Conduct state-required health screenings for students in kindergarten, first, third, and sixth grade, with follow-up referrals as needed.
- Connect students with required or recommended health services at no out-of-pocket cost to families when available.
Emergency Preparedness
- Review student health records and emergency care plans and educate school staff on appropriate care.
- Train staff on the use and location of emergency AEDs, Narcan, and epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens).
Education
- Provide health education for students and staff on illness prevention, tobacco use and cessation, health conditions, and available trainings and resources.
- Promote access to school-based dental services, including cleanings, fillings, and other primary dental care at an affordable cost.
Community and Public Health Partnerships
- Connect families with local health resources and services.
- Coordinate with the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, including the medical director, epidemiology team, and other departments as appropriate.
Our Team
Monroe County School Health Team (Fall of 2026)
Pictured left to right:
Brandie Acevedo, RN (Gerald Adams Elementary), Yvonne Gallardo, health tech (Horace O’Bryant School), Janine White, RN (Coral Shores High School), Selena Gonzalez, RN (Marathon Middle High School), Stefani Lawlor, RN (Stanley Switlik School), Olga Rodriguez, RN (Horace O’Bryant School), Dana Portillo, RN – School Health Coordinator, Kara Gleason, health tech (Sugarloaf School), Lisa Graft, RN (Sugarloaf School), Laurel Beaupre, RN (Sigsbee School), Jennifer Searcy, RN (Key West High School), Kaitlin Dooley, RN (Plantation Key School), Kerry Biondoletti, RN (Plantation Key School). Not pictured: Alaina Applegate, RN Key Largo School.
