Nurses hold vigil in memory of girl who died of asthma
by thenotebook on Oct 18 2013 Posted in Latest news
Photo: Naveeh Ahsan
Academy at Palumbo nurse Eileen Duffey (left) joins others at candlelight vigil.
by Naveed Ahsan
School nurses, parents, and education advocates concerned about budget cuts held a silent candlelight vigil outside of District headquarters before Thursday’s School Reform Commission meeting in memory of 12-year-old Laporshia Masseywho died from an asthma attack on Sept. 25.
Laporshia, a 6th grade student from Bryant Elementary School, fell ill on that day, reportedly complaining of breathing problems. There was no nurse on duty at the time. A staff member drove her home at the end of the day. Soon after, Laporshia’s father took her to the hospital, where she died that evening. Her death has sparked a debate among education advocates about the impact that reduced staffing can have on medical emergencies that may occur at schools.
Eileen Duffey, a school nurse at the Academy at Palumbo, organized the vigil. Though Duffey said that she did not know Laporshia or her family personally, she felt compelled to act.
“I decided that I would set aside this space and time to devote some grieving for all of us,” Duffey said.
Ongoing budget cuts within the District have caused layoffs of critical staff. More than 100 school nurse positions were cut in the 2011-2012 school year. Additional cuts this year brought staffing levels down to the state minimum of one nurse per 1,500 students. Reduced medical staff has meant that many non-medical personnel are being forced to handle the duties of school nurses. This was the case with Laporshia, who reportedly told a teacher, who was not aware of her
