Written by Rod W. Lekey, RN, DCS
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have been under immense pressure to ensure the health and safety of their students and staff. While many measures have been put in place, there is a growing need for more innovative solutions to keep our schools safe. That's where UV-C technology comes in. UV-C technology has been proven to effectively kill germs, viruses, and bacteria, making it an invaluable tool in the fight against COVID-19. But that's not all. By investing in UV-C technology, schools can not only improve the health and safety of their students and staff but also potentially save money in the long run. In this article, we'll explore how UV-C Disinfection Devices can improve school health and funding, and why it's a smart investment for any educational institution.
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Did you know that every K-12 student generates $65 daily in funding for their school district? Unfortunately, absenteeism is a major issue in the U.S., resulting in the loss of 164 million student school days each year and over $10.7 billion in lost funding. While illness is not the only cause of absenteeism, it is the primary reason for students missing school each day.
The situation worsens when you consider the cost of substitute teachers when regular teachers are absent. Substitutes can earn up to $125 per day, and with teachers missing an average of 5.3 days per year, districts end up paying $530 per teacher. With over 3 million public school teachers in the U.S., this adds up to a whopping $1.7 billion per year in substitute teacher costs.
Respiratory illnesses such as the Common Cold, Influenza, and Coronavirus, as well as gastrointestinal illnesses like Norovirus and Rotavirus, are the most common infections transmitted in schools. So, what can be done to address this issue?
UV light disinfection can help reduce student absenteeism by effectively eliminating harmful pathogens that can cause illnesses such as colds, flu, and other infections. By using UV light to disinfect surfaces and the air in classrooms, cafeterias, and other shared spaces, schools can create a safer and healthier environment for students and staff. Using a combination of traditional cleaning, paired with UV light, will significantly prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Providing the cleanest environment possible can help reduce the risk of students and staff becoming sick and needing to stay home, which can lead to lower rates of absenteeism.
The UV222 Downlight UV-C Cleaning System provides 24/7 protection against infections, in even the busiest of school settings. It utilizes human-safe 222 nm UV light to eradicate harmful pathogens from the air and surfaces, all while operating silently. With a 2-year "set and forget" warranty and no need for ongoing maintenance costs, this system can help decrease infections, which will increase funding for your school district.
There are several federal programs that states, districts, and schools may utilize for COVID related infrastructure expenses.
The Education Stabilization Fund is a program established by the U.S. Department of Education to provide financial support and resources to educational institutions and systems that have been affected by significant disruptions, such as natural disasters or emergencies. The fund aims to stabilize and strengthen the education system by providing grants to states, school districts, and institutions of higher education. It encompasses these main components: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund (GERF), Emergency Assistance to Non-public Schools (EANS) Fund, and the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). These funds can be used to address various needs, including technology and connectivity, professional development, mental health services, and other educational support services, ensuring that students and educators can effectively adapt to challenging circumstances and continue their learning journey.
The Education Stabilization Fund is a component of the larger American Rescue Plan (ARPA). The Education Stabilization Fund focuses on addressing the specific needs of the education sector and ensuring the continuity of education during and after the pandemic.
Each state funds districts and schools with local funds to invest on infrastructure technology or maintenance, so reaching to the state education agency is a primary resource to identify funding and/or procurement procedures required for each individual jurisdiction.
222 nm UV-C light disinfection can be an effective solution for reducing the spread of germs and viruses in schools. By utilizing this technology, schools can create a cleaner and healthier environment for students and staff, leading to lower absenteeism rates and potentially increased funding. While UV-C technology is not a silver bullet, it can be a valuable tool in the larger effort to maintain safe and healthy schools. As this technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, we may see more and more schools adopting it as a part of their regular cleaning protocols. Ultimately, by prioritizing the health and well-being of students and staff, schools can create a better learning environment for everyone involved.
Rod is a registered nurse with previous clinical experience as an EMT-B, hospice provider, and emergency room nurse. He now works as an operating room nurse at a Level I Trauma Center and research hospital, where sanitization and environmental control are absolutely crucial to positive patient outcomes. He spent over 30 years in the military and aerospace industry and holds a doctorate in computer science. He is fascinated with exponential technologies and passionate about their impact on society and culture, with interests in improving healthspan, espousing positive aging, practicing holistic wellness, and increasing functional fitness.
