By: Lindsay Marcal, Director, Membership 

As a parent, I think about my family’s health and well-being every day, but back-to-school season can bring new challenges, making it important to equip children and educators with the tools they need to stay healthy in the months ahead. National Health Council (NHC) members are helping families and educators prepare by offering information and resources on topics ranging from respiratory illnesses and chronic conditions to mental health, nutrition, and vision care. 

Respiratory illnesses and vaccines 
Respiratory illnesses can spread easily in school settings, and children with chronic conditions may face a greater risk of serious complications. Families can use the immunization checklist offered by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) to review recommended and required vaccines, schedule appointments, and organize school documentation. Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (CVEEP) also offers information about respiratory diseases, guidance by vaccine type and risk, and a tool for locating nearby vaccination sites. 

Food allergies and asthma 
Managing asthma or food allergies at school requires close coordination among students, families, and school staff. Kids with Food Allergies, the food allergy division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), offers free resources for families, while AAFA’s school guidance outlines steps such as working with staff, completing necessary forms, and creating a school health care plan. The Allergy & Asthma Network provides additional digital and print materials for students, families, and school health professionals, including checklists and sample action plans. 

Managing other chronic diseases
Similar planning can help students manage other chronic conditions safely and confidently at school. The American Diabetes Association offers back-to-school tips to help children with diabetes and their families prepare. The Celiac Disease Foundation provides resources for students from kindergarten through college, along with materials for families, educators, and food service professionals. The Epilepsy Foundation offers age-appropriate classroom seizure safety toolkits for K–12 students as well as guidance for students transitioning to and navigating college.  

Student Athletes 
Participation in school sports can introduce additional health and safety considerations. The Brain Injury Association of America offers concussion infographics and fact sheets to help athletes, parents, coaches, and educators recognize concussion signs, support students during recovery, and understand return-to-play guidance. 

Mental Health and Support for Students with Disabilities  
The transition back to school can bring academic, social, and emotional pressures for students and educators alike. The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America offer practical resources tailored to students, families, and educators. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s It’s Real programs provide mental health education for middle school, high school, and college students. The Trevor Project also offers training and educational resources to help allies, educators, and other youth-serving professionals support LGBTQ+ young people. 
 
Easterseals also provides services for children with and without disabilities, including early childhood education and early intervention programs that support development and school readiness.

Eye and Vision Health 
Vision problems can interfere with learning and, if left unaddressed, lead to more serious vision loss. In recognition of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, Prevent Blindness is highlighting the importance of detecting and treating vision issues early. Its Small Steps for Big Vision toolkit provides families with information about vision screenings, eye exams, signs of potential vision problems, and finding and paying for care.  
 
Nutrition 
Back-to-school routines can also provide an opportunity to revisit healthy meals and snacks. The American Heart Association offers budget-friendly ideas for packing a healthy school lunch, including creative substitutions, ways to use leftovers, and tips for involving children in planning. 
 

Caregiving Youth 
Some students also balance school with significant caregiving responsibilities at home. Caregiving youth are young people age 18 or younger who help care for a family member living with a chronic illness, disability, mental health condition, or age-related needs. The American Association of Caregiving Youth partners with schools to support these students and raises awareness of how caregiving responsibilities can affect attendance, academic performance, and well-being. Recognizing these responsibilities and providing appropriate support and accommodations can help caregiving youth succeed in school. 

Supporting student health takes preparation, communication, and access to the right resources. The NHC thanks its members for helping families and educators meet students’ diverse needs and create more supportive school communities for a happy and healthy start to the school year.