EXPOSURE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASES

WHEREAS, the cutbacks in public health funding imposed by the Reagan administration have adversely affected the state of public health in our nation's schools; and

WHEREAS, the number of students living below the poverty level and receiving less than adequate health care is increasing; and

WHEREAS, these conditions result in a drastic increase in exposure to tuberculosis, hepatitis B, measles, and other infectious diseases; and

WHEREAS, the level of nursing support in our secondary schools has been seriously reduced and virtually eliminated at the elementary level:

RESOLVED, that adequate nursing support be available in all schools; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers strongly urge all its locals to make every effort to negotiate provisions for adequate screening and inoculations for all teachers and other school workers.