School nurses in Central Wisconsin are receiving professional support through the School Medical Advisor Program, a novel partnership between Marshfield Clinic Health System and Marathon County Special Education (MCSE) to support continuity of care for all students.  
 
Dr. Jeffrey H. Lamont, a long-time health system pediatrician and recognized state and national leader in school health, serves as medical advisor to school districts through MCSE, which provides a variety of programs and services to a consortium of schools in the Marathon County area. MCSE supports the consortium’s growing need for health services as the needs of school-aged children grow in scope and complexity and school nurse capacity is often lacking.  
 
Dr. Lamont provides assistance with policy and procedures for student care, training and support to both licensed and unlicensed school personnel, coordination between providers and schools regarding continuity of care, and more. He works with school personnel and local boards on children’s health issues and collaborates with public health officials on areas of mutual interest.  
 
Recent increases in participation serve as a testament to the value of the School Medical Advisor Program. Since 2019, the number of school nurses participating in monthly educational meetings has increased from 10 to 40. The number of school districts participating in the program has increased from 10 to 22. Initially designed to serve and support a few schools in the Marathon County area, the program has increased in scope and reach.  
 
In collaboration with Dr. Lamont, school nurses formed an organization called Central Wisconsin School Nurses (CWSN). Dr. Lamont and CWSN are currently evaluating the program and plan to create new goals for the 2022-23 school year that will serve a larger audience of school nurses.