Wallace State nursing students, faculty receive SSA KidCheck

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Wallace State nursing students and faculty received an update this week on the new Sight Savers America (SSA) KidCheck wireless technology system, aiding the college as it resumes free health-screening processes to more than 4,000 students at Blount County schools.

Wallace State's Nursing Department and the Blount County Board of Education have provided free health screenings in Blount County Schools since 2001 with the support of Caring for Kids, Alabama Power Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Meanwhile, the new SSA KidCheck wireless system is provided through a $100,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation and will eliminate the need of the current paper screening and provide a more efficient delivery of important follow-up services for children failing vision and other SSA KidCheck screenings.

Wallace State NUR 106 students will utilize the new scanners and bar code technology during its SSA KidCheck efforts in Blount County this year, performing health screenings in areas including height and weight, body mass index (BMI), temperature, blood pressure, vision, dental, heart and respiratory rates, heart and lung sounds and ear, nose and throat exams.

"We are excited our students will continue participating in the SSA KidCheck events, using the new wireless technology. KidCheck is an important part of the NUR 106 student's pediatric clinical experience and gives our students the opportunity to detect health issues for Alabama school children and come in contact with children of different backgrounds and culture," said Glynda Hardin, a Wallace State nursing instructor and member of the SSA KidCheck state steering committee. "SSA KidCheck events will continue to enhance the nursing students' assessment competence and help prepare them for evidence-based practice after graduation."

The KidCheck program was initially formed by former Governor Bob Riley in 2007, serving as a main initiative through the Alabama Rural Action Commission. KidCheck was modeled after successful school health fairs in Bibb and Blount Counties and was expanded to partner with local colleges and universities.

In February 2011, KidCheck became a department under Sight Savers America and is now SSA KidCheck.