Morgan State University Awarded $4.4 Million Contract to Address Nursing Shortage in Baltimore City Public Schools

By Morgan State U

(BALTIMORE – November 8, 2023) — As public schools across the region face an unprecedented shortage of school nurses, Morgan State University’s School of Community Health and Policy (SCHP) Department of Nursing has been awarded a $4.4 million contract from Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) to provide pediatric nursing services support within health suites at five schools throughout the city. The health services initiative is part of a large-scale, multi-institutional collaborative to source the expertise and professional health services of the leading university nursing programs in Baltimore. The up-to-six-year contract will allow Morgan’s Nursing Department to place five registered nurses at specific BCPS locations in need of services.

Currently, there are 156 school health suites operated within Baltimore City schools, with only 50 school health nurses providing coverage. In addition to alleviating an existing strain on health suite practitioners, the program’s impact will be far-reaching. Per the agreement will recruit, hire, and train nurses to serve as leaders and innovators in healthcare with the capabilities to partner with teachers, parents, guardians, and other healthcare providers, helping manage students’ chronic health conditions in the school setting. This collaboration will create healthier schools and communities, allowing students to reach their academic potential.

“As a historically black institution, it means much for us to be able to serve and work with Baltimore City Public School in this moment where health and well-being are taking center stage, knowing the many challenges our students across Baltimore City are facing. This opportunity to expand our relationship with Baltimore City Public Schools, as well as our ongoing collaboration with other universities, allows us to address a critical need within city public schools while preparing our students for real-life learning experiences,” said Kim Sydnor, Ph.D., dean of School of Community Health and Policy. “In addition to placing highly-trained graduates where they can serve the community, our goal is also to provide learning opportunities and career exposure for our matriculating nursing students while inspiring high school students interested in studying the field.”