Ask Nancy
School Environmental Health and Safety Program Manager,
Washington State Department of Health
Nancy Bernard provides technical assistance, resources, and training for local health jurisdiction and K-12 school staff. Her focus includes IAQ, asthma triggers, integrated pest management, noise control, lighting, communicable and zoonotic diseases, cleaning, disinfection, playgrounds, lab/art/shop safety, hazardous materials, and school design. She has a MPH in Environmental Health Sciences from Tulane University, a BS in Environmental Health and a BA in Health Education from the University of Washington, and served on the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors 1997 – 2017. Additionally Nancy taught hands-on science at Faith Lutheran School in Redmond for 5 years and for 3 years at the Bear Creek School.
‘Ask Nancy’ April 2018: What should we know about PCBs in schools?
For April, Ask Nancy shares updated tips on reducing exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in schools Question: What are PCBs? Answer: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemicals that were manufactured in the United States from...
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Ask Nancy: February 2018 How should schools respond to the flu?
Have you seen all the stories about the seriousness of the flu this year and the school closures? For February's Ask Nancy, we break down precautions against flu and resources for prevention. Question: How can schools protect students and faculty from...
read moreAsk Nancy: January 2018 student stress relating to suicide
This January, a WFIS member school messaged Ask Nancy about resources for student stress as a growing suicide risk factor. Question: Student stress as a risk factor of suicide is a big concern amongst our staff and community. What...
read moreAsk Nancy: December 2017 Lead Testing in Water for Schools
Nancy Bernard just returned from a well deserved vacation and has shared additional details with WFIS and links to the DOH website content to address school questions regarding lead testing of water. Though Washington State is reported as...
read moreAsk Nancy: October 2017 record of immunizations
For October, schools are confirming records for student immunizations and need to be sure of the latest information. This month's Ask Nancy addresses how could a private school gain access to the online record of immunizations. Question: How do private...
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