Health Center

Pennsylvania State law requires appropriate management of medication in the school setting. The medication policy has been developed to ensure the health and safety of all of our students. The Health Center must be notified of all student medications, including prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC medications), inclusive of herbal supplements via their online medical record. Medications brought to campus must be checked in through the health center per school policy.

Any chemical substance whose manufacturing and distribution process is not approved by the FDA will not be administered during school hours by the nursing staff. This includes, but is not limited to, homeopathic remedies, essential oils, herbal preparations and dietary supplements.

Nutritional supplements and performance-enhancing substances are not allowed. Health Center regards and respects the policy statement from the AAP which emphasizes “The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly condemns the use of performance-enhancing substances and vigorously endorses efforts to eliminate their use among children and adolescents.” Therefore, students are discouraged from using nutritional supplements or performance-enhancing products unless there is an explicit medical order from their physician on record in the health center.

Note: Students are NOT ALLOWED to make online purchases/ accept mail delivery of: medication, nutritional/herbal supplements, performance enhancing formulas, weight loss/gain products.

US Boarding Students: Both prescription and certain non-prescription medications are dispensed by an RN from the Health Center daily. Morning and evening timeframes, inclusive of weekends are in place for US boarding students.

US Boarding Students: The Westtown Health Center maintains a long standing relationship with a local pharmacy. Most all of our students ‘ prescriptions and requests for over-the -counter medications are filled here and delivered the same day to our office. All prescriptions and OTC medications and provider prescriptions must be in English otherwise they will not be accepted nor dispensed via the health center .

Students and parents must read and sign all applicable medication forms via their online medical record. Prescribing health care providers must also complete the applicable medication paperwork annually. ALL medication changes will require updated provider paperwork.

We will work with your student to advocate in their self care around their medication compliance . Parental support will be called upon as needed. End of Year- The parent/guardian will be notified of any medication that is to be picked up from school. If medications are not picked up by an adult/ designee at a predetermined time on the last student day of school, the medication will be properly disposal.

ANY MEDICATION THAT IS NOT BROUGHT TO SCHOOL BY A PARENT / DESIGNEE, IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER, AND DOES NOT HAVE REQUIRED AUTHORIZATION WILL NOT BE ADMINISTERED.

Westtown School takes the health and safety of your child seriously. With increased awareness of concussions and guided by evidence based best practice, we have protocols in place both preventive and in response to a suspected concussion.

We also have a Concussion Management Team with representation from LRC, athletics and the health center in place to discuss specific concussed students and their needs ‘as well as awareness of new research and protocols so we may best care for our students. Other personnel may be brought in as consultants .

Concussion awareness and CDC guidelines are reviewed annually with our coaching staff.

Westtown School requires every student to have valid PA health insurance coverage during the school year.

US Boarding Students only: All international students not covered with valid health insurance may be enrolled in the school’s student health insurance plan UnitedHealthcare at your discretion.

This plan is specially designed for students in Pennsylvania private boarding schools, and ensures your child will receive prompt and effective medical care in the case of illness, accident or medication needs during the school year. Any costs incurred as part of your insurance coverage for medical care are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

Air Conditioning: Air conditioners are permitted at the parents discretion. Guerster House and Balderston residence halls are equipped with central air conditioning. The residence halls located in the main building have window units for air conditioning. For fire safety reasons, students may not bring individual room or window air conditioners to the residence halls. Westtown facilities department oversees Westtown window air conditioners. Extensions of use due to certain medical conditions must be requested through the Health Center. Air purifiers are permitted and encouraged.

Epi Pens/ Inhalers: If you child requires an Epi pen and/ or inhaler, please supply them with one to keep on their person while at school. Complete the Self Carry Emergency Medication form found in your child’s EMR for our records. If applicable, also complete the Anaphylaxis and Asthma Action Plans found in your child’s EMR. In the event of an emergency ,stock Epi pens are also available throughout campus.