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 February 2019: Measles Outbreak in Washington State
In late January, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency in Washington because of a measles outbreak in Clark County. There was also one reported case of measles in King county. February's Ask Nancy provides some clear guidance on what schools can do and...
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Ask Nancy December 2018: Lice Outbreaks
For December, WFIS received an inquiry about WA K-12 policy on recurrent lice issues in a classroom. So, for this month's Ask Nancy, we look at how to prevent lice outbreaks and review guidelines on how school staff should address discovery of lice. ...
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Ask Nancy November 2018: Suicide Prevention
November begins the dark winter season in the Pacific NW and is also a time when expectations ramp up for students. Many schools are taking time to improve suicide prevention and student mental health support. So, for this month's Ask Nancy, we look at...
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Ask Nancy October 2018: Immunizations and Schools
For October, we checked with Nancy Bernard to make sure private schools know about the 2018-19 Required Immunizations and to get answers to some common questions related to school vaccination reporting and record keeping. Question: Are private...
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‘Ask Nancy’ Sept. 2018: Healthy Back-To-School List Guidance
This September as teachers and students stock up on school supplies, the Department of Health has tips for avoiding chemicals that trigger asthma and allergies. Question: Is there a quick reference list teachers can use for healthy school supplies? Nancy...
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