Infectious Diseases and Public Health

Subtopics

Distance Learning

In-Person Learning

Physical Spacing and Testing

Sanitation and Ventilation

Protect schools and communities during a public health crisis.

Schools must be prepared to respond to sudden infectious disease outbreaks and other public health concerns and emergencies. Sustaining safe in-person learning, ensuring proper hygiene, and managing daily operations are all important for keeping a safe and secure school environment amid a health crisis.

Schools are an important part of the infrastructure of communities. They provide safe and supportive learning environments for students that support social and emotional development, provide access to critical services, and improve life outcomes. Schools should work with local public health officials, consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, to determine additional prevention strategies needed in their area by monitoring levels of community transmission and local vaccine coverage, and use of screening testing to detect cases in K-12 schools during public health emergencies.

Featured Resources

These resources are a starting point for learning more about infectious diseases and public health. Use these resources to create and sustain healthy K-12 learning environments.

Additionally, SchoolSafety.gov regularly publishes issue briefs that provide a high-level overview of a specific school safety topic as well as a sampling of aligned strategies, resources, programs, and tools. Download and explore the infectious diseases and public health-related issue brief below.

Infectious Diseases and Public Health

Assessment

School Health Index

Department of Health and Human Services, 2017

This online self-evaluation and planning tool enables schools to identify strengths and weaknesses of health and safety policies and programs, develop an action plan for improving student health, and engage teachers, parents, students, and the community in promoting health-enhancing behaviors and better health.

Report

White House Toolkit for Sustainable and Healthy Schools: 2024 Update to Federal Resources to Address K-12 School Infrastructure Needs

The White House, 2024

This toolkit highlights how schools can use federal resources to address school infrastructure needs and make school buildings healthier and more sustainable. It provides an overview of the federal funds, programs, technical support, and other resources related to school infrastructure available to support state and local educational agencies and individual schools.

Tool

School IAQ Assessment Mobile App

Environmental Protection Agency

This mobile app provides access to the Environmental Protection Agency's comprehensive school indoor air quality (IAQ) management guidance and detailed walkthrough assessment checklists that address critical building-related environmental health issues. Schools that want to develop, sustain or reinvigorate their IAQ management programs can use this tool to identify and prioritize IAQ improvements.

Filter Resources

All Infectious Diseases and Public Health Resources

Access additional resources below to learn more about infectious diseases and public health and related best practices. Use the filters to sort resources based on subtopic and/or preparedness action.

New

Guidance

Delivering Services in School-Based Settings: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicaid Services and Administrative Claiming

Department of Health and Human Services, 2023

This guide provides direction to State Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to deliver school-based services in a manner that allows LEAs to obtain all the payments for which they can qualify, to then increase access to covered services for enrolled students. This guide also offers possible financially sustainable solutions for State Medicaid/CHIP agencies and LEAs, while acknowledging that behavioral health services, and other medical conditions can be complex and may also require community-based resources outside of schools for effective treatment.

New

Webpage

Radon in Schools

Environmental Protection Agency

This webpage provides information on the dangers of radon and testing and mitigation standards for schools.

New

Program

Medicaid and School-Based Services Technical Assistance Center

Department of Health and Human Services

This technical assistance center seeks to assist and expand the capacity of State Medicaid agencies, local education agencies (LEAs), and school-based entities to provide greater assistance under Medicaid. It also seeks to develop resource materials tailored to the specific needs of LEAs and their communities.