What’s Up at HIN

"The Red Book" Will Soon Be Available in Spanish!
This popular booklet addresses how to manage blood on the job, the steps to take to protect yourself, and information on HIV and hepatitis. It is free for NEA ESP members by contacting Agnes Smith at agsmith@nea.org or 202-822-7195. Copies can also be downloaded by visiting www.neahin.org/resources/pubs.htm or purchased by calling 877-250-5795.

Let’s Cut Back on Diesel Exhaust from Idling School Buses!
While school buses are the safest way to get to and from school, diesel exhaust from idling school buses pollute the air and can affect the health of school bus drivers and the children they serve. This October please take part in Children’s Health Month and recognize October 6 as Clean School Bus Day! Ask your school district to put in place a "no idling" policy for school buses. Visit the U.S. EPA’s Web site on anti-idling at www.epa.gov/otaq/schoolbus/antiidling.htm for tips, resources, and links. For more information on Children’s Health Month, visit www.childrenshealth.gov/calendar.html.

Updated Sexual Health Fact Sheet Now Available
Did you know that the highest gonorrhea rates in the country are among teenage girls? Don’t be left in the dark, get the latest sexual health statistics from the best nationally recognized sources. Order or download NEA HIN’s free fact sheet, Sexual Health: By The Numbers by calling 202-822-7570 or visiting www.neahin.org/programs/reproductive/index.htm.

Evaluate Your School Facility Conditions
Thanks to a broad coalition of educational, environmental, health, and civic organizations, a 2004 School Environmental Checklist is now available to help parents, students, and school staff identify and fix environmental problems in their schools. This new tool also provides resources to develop a preventive and cost-effective action plan to protect children’s health and improve school facility conditions. To download a copy of the checklist, visit www.healthyschools.org.