Office of School System Medical Officer
Supporting the school district through health expertise, health partnerships and health-focused community engagement.
Our mission is to help the school community work together to understand and elevate the health and well-being of students, their families, and staff, through collaboration, innovative health initiatives, and programmatic support.
Vision
We believe that...
- A comprehensive and proactive approach to school health plays a key role in maintaining a climate of true academic excellence
- The health and well-being of students, and the families and staff who support them, is critical to their full academic engagement and success.
- Unmet health needs and health-associated barriers to school engagement contribute to gaps in academic achievement, and that addressing health needs and barriers within the scope of the school system’s work promotes equity in the teaching and learning environment
- In our school community, everyone has a role in protecting and promoting health and well-being, for themselves and those around them
Medical Office
850 Hungerford Drive, Suite 162
Rockville, Maryland 20850
240-740-1594
Seasonal HEALTH Information
Fall/Winter Season Vaccine Info
| Who should get it? | Where can you get this vaccine? | Other Information | |
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Influenza |
Recommended for people 6 months and older Especially important for people at higher risk of flu complications |
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COVID-19 |
Recommended for people 6 months and older regardless of prior vaccine status Most people need only one dose; certain groups may need additional doses |
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Now covered primarily through health insurance, with special programs for uninsured individuals |
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RSV |
Recommended for infants and expecting parents:
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Adults age 60 and older are at higher risk for RSV complications and should consult with their health care provider about RSV vaccine |
Community Health Collaborations
Girls' Summit 2024
Over 1,300 attendees participated in our second Girls’ Summit. Girls and their caregivers took part in work sessions on mental health, physical wellness, healthy eating, relaxation, creative arts therapy and more. The summit concluded with the Girls Empowerment Fashion Show sponsored by White House Black Market, which celebrated diverse body types and fashion.
Girls’ Summit
The first ever Girls’ Summit was held on October 20, 2023 at Clarksburg High School. Over 1,000 attendees participated in supportive sessions related to mental health, physical wellness, healthy eating, relaxation, creative arts therapy and more. The summit concluded with the Girls Empowerment Fashion Show sponsored by White House Black Market, which celebrated diverse body types and fashion.
Human Trafficking
MCPS hosted the Montgomery County Human Trafficking Prevention Committee and a group of experts in the field for a training designed for school system staff. Attendees learned about the impacts of human trafficking on students and families, the school system’s role in prevention and intervention, and supporting victims. The next training is scheduled for January 9th, 2024 (PDO Course# 92054)
Dads on Duty
The Dads On Duty program holds regular student meetings throughout the year to offer information on topics like mental health and wellness, academic success, career preparation, and more. Students from Seneca Valley High School attended the most recent meeting on December 15, 2023 and were able to ask questions and hear information from volunteers.
Online Health Information
The internet is a great way to share knowledge, but finding useful health information online can be challenging. Good health information should be understandable, up-to-date and reliable. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers a useful guide on how to find reliable health information online.
Youth
Health information for teens and young adults (Boston Children’s Hospital)
GirlsHealth.gov: An easy to navigate website geared towards girls, with many health topics from the Office on Women’s Health.
Nemours Foundation has websites for both teens and younger children.
Parents/Caregivers
- Healthy Children
The Parenting Website of the American Academy of Pediatrics - Rise and Shine
Advice for keeping kids healthy and happy from Children’s National - Internet safety tips for parents
Common Sense Media
Staff
The MCPS Employee Wellness Program within the Employee and Retiree Service Center (ERSC) offers many health education opportunities and programs for employees, and support navigating employee health benefits.
- The Well Aware Wellness Toolbox makes it easy to find free health classes, wellness discounts, and other health-related resources.
- Check out Wellness News for resource highlights and ongoing activity challenges.
In addition to confidential counseling and consultation, the MCPS Employee Assistance Program offers mental health and well-being education for staff, including:
- Well-Being Matters Series
MCPS-TV Videos focusing on staff health and wellness. - Workshops, articles, and links
More information about a large variety of mental health topics - Healthy Outlook Newsletter
A quarterly publication highlighting new and important resources for staff mental health, coping and support.
General health information:
- The National Institutes of Health
- The Mayo Clinic (Español)
- The Cleveland Clinic Health Library
- FamilyDoctor.org (American Academy of Family Physicians)
Youth Substance Use Prevention and Response
- MCPS Fentanyl Page
- Fentanyl Forum FAQs
- Parent CRAFT program page
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator Tool
- SAMHSA Parent & Caregiver Resources
- Get Smart About Drugs
- Montgomery County Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health on family support meetings
- Montgomery County Substance Use Disorder providers
- Montgomery County Child and Adolescent Assessment Services (CAAS)
Dr. Kapunan's Message on Fentanyl Prevention
Fentanyl Message (Spanish)
School Health and School Health Services
School Health Services
MCPS partners with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) School Health Services program.
DHHS staff provide health services to students in school health rooms and school-based health clinics.
- MCPS School Health Services - information and links to important forms
- Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
Be Well 365
Be Well 365 incorporates a comprehensive approach to student health and wellness.
The Be Well 365 website describes the programs and people supporting its six essential focus areas, and provides links to local wellness resources for specific schools.
MCPS Health & Wellness
For additional detail about health and wellness curriculum and supports in MCPS, refer to the Health and Wellness page.
Community Messages
We recognize that community providers are part of every student and family’s home team. Here are key links to health forms and health-related processes across the school system. Thank you for your partnership!
Meet Dr. Patricia Kapunan
Meet the new MCPS School System Medical Officer (SSMO), Dr. Patricia Kapunan
In this episode of MCPS Waymaking, the new School System Medical Officer (SSMO), Dr. Patricia Kapunan, joins Dr. Chester to discuss the role and responsibilities of this new position within the school system and how she will help lead in matters related to the health and well-being of MCPS students and staff.
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