7 EPS School Nurses Join Battle Against COVID-19

Volunteer to Test Patients at Union County Testing Center at Kean University

Elizabeth, N.J., April 2, 2020 – Seven school nurses from Elizabeth Public Schools have generously volunteered their services at the Union County COVID-19 Testing Center at Kean University in Union Township to help patients who are exhibiting symptoms of the coronavirus.

School nurses from Joseph Battin School No. 4, Mabel G. Holmes School No. 5, Madison – Monroe School No. 16 Annex, William F. Halloran School No. 22, Frances C. Smith Early Childhood Center School No. 50, Elizabeth High School – Frank J. Cicarell Academy, and Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy have joined other healthcare professionals to help Union County residents determine whether they have contracted COVID-19.

“Within the Elizabeth Public Schools community, our school nurses take on that great responsibility of keeping our students safe and healthy,” said Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Olga Hugelmeyer. “They routinely show tremendous dedication to the health and well being of our students and have taken their commitment to the health of our community to an even greater level, choosing to volunteer to work at the Union County COVID-19 Testing Center at Kean University.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created great challenges that have tested the strength and resolve of communities throughout the world. Among those who have shown exceptional and tremendous courage over the last several weeks are first responders and health care workers, who are at the front line of helping people across the globe.

The natures of their professions call on them to protect their communities and keep community members safe and well at all times, but these are times unlike any they have experienced before. It is important to remember that they continue to serve others who are in need despite the impact doing so can have on their own health and well being.

“I wanted to personally thank our school nurses for their amazing commitment and all of our first responders and health care workers who are making tremendous sacrifices in doing work that is saving lives in our community and throughout the world,” said Elizabeth Board of Education President Diane Barbosa, who herself works in the health services field as a pharmacist. “Thank you for your service.”