Eileen Duty, the Health Services Coordinator for the St Joseph School District has received statewide recognition for her leadership and contributions to the student health field.

Mrs. Duty received the Lifetime Membership Award from the Missouri Association of School Nurses. This was only the 14th time in the organization’s 62-year history that the award has been given.

A school nurse for 28 years, she has been an active member of the association, serving on its board of directors, its executive committee and holding top leadership posts. As President of the organization, she led its strategic plan process from 2000-2004. She continues to serve on the Governor’s Council on Homeland Security, the Advisory Committee for Immunizations and is the MASN Education Chair.

District officials credit her with bringing registered nurses to all schools, and automatec external defigrillators to all buildings in the district. She played a key role in establishing the District’s Pandemic and Influenza Response Plan, and its Emergency Disaster Plan.

“Eileen has kept the focus on kids,” said Chris Den Ouden, MASN’s District President and the school nurse at Coleman Elementary School. “She is a great advocate for student health issues and is respected around the state.”

Denise Buersmeyer, the Director of Special Services for SJSD and Mrs. Duty’s supervisor, also offered high praise.

“Eileen has accomplished so much that it is hard to single out just a few things,” she said. “Her collaboration with Heartland Health through the Youth Health Partnership has led to numerous programs being realized.”

These include the Health Express mobile medical van for well-child examinations, the 4th Grade Challenge which promotes nutrition and exercise, and the concussion screening program for student-athletes.

“Eileen is the face of school nursing in the District,” said Mrs. Buersmeyer. “She is a great advocate for best practices in the field of student health. She is so deserving of this recognition.”