Information for Parents » Safety & Health
Dear Parents,
Since health and safety is a major concern and after careful consideration and evaluation, we have decided to improve on the traditional methods in which camp nurses have been administering medications to campers. The increase of campers on medication is of major concern. It is estimated that 1/3 of camp population is on daily medicine or vitamins. With this increase of medication being dispensed at camp, we face the issue of finding the safest, most efficient way to dispense the meds. We looked at other camps, as well as facilities that dispense large amounts of medicine for suggestions. After examining a number of alternatives, we found that pre-packaging medications is the best possible solution.
The company we have chosen to service our families, CampMeds Inc., provides a convenient service that dispenses, packages and ships medications directly to overnight camps in the U.S. This pre-packaging program is in compliance with all state regulations regarding medication packaging for summer camps.
Our policy and procedure for dispensing and administering medication will require camp families to have all of your child's medication in pill form dispensed, pre-packaged and sent to camp prior to their arrival. We will only dispense pills that have been dispensed and packaged by the CampMeds Pharmacy. This includes:
· all medicine taken daily (prescription and non-prescription)
· all medicine taken "as needed"
· vitamins
*Our camp stocks most over the counter items such as Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, etc.
Medications that are in pill form are individually packaged and sealed according to date and time of administration. Each individual packet may contain one or more pills prescribed to be given at the same time. This method of dispensing medicine during summer camp will minimize potential med errors, ensuring that every camper gets the correct medication and dosage, at the right time, on the right day. It will also allow your children to return to their camp activities sooner, because administering meds that are pre-packaged and organized reduces their time spent in line waiting for meds! Our nurses will now have more time to devote to your child's other healthcare needs.
Please remember that all meds at camp are dispensed at mealtimes and bedtime. Only if medically necessary and a specific time is written on the prescription, will the med be dispensed at a different time of day. You are responsible to check that your child's prescriptions are written for exactly how and when the med is to be given.
We want to be clear that we do expect 100% participation from families with campers that will need medication and/or vitamins at camp. The only exception to this procedure is if CampMeds notifies us that they are unable to accept your insurance. If your camper does not take medication or vitamins, you do not need to register with CampMeds.
If your camper will be taking medication in pill form at camp this summer, please read the following detailed letter, and visit their website, www.campmeds.com for additional information and to register your camper.
We are confident that this program will help us achieve our primary goal: the health, well-being and safety of your child.
Regards,
Katie Vozeolas
Director of Nursing
» Download: CampMeds Info & FAQ