Medical Policies
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Parents are responsible for accurately completing the medical history of the application form, and for getting a physical examination by a physician who reports his/her findings on the medical examination form included in the application materials. When the history or examination reveals conditions that might entail risk to the client or other participants in a trek, Crossings staff, with possible review by our consulting physician, will review the record and make a recommendation as to admission and any conditions for participation.

Any applicant who has a history of diabetes, seizures, or head trauma requires a minimum of one week notification prior to admission. This allows our staff adequate time to speak with the child's physician regarding the medical condition in question and the management of said condition in the field.

When a program participant is in need of medications of any kind, the following guidelines must be adhered to:

  1. A written order signed by a physician is required before any medication can be given to any participant.
    • Medications prescribed for one participant shall not be used by another participant.
    • Normally, participants will self?administer their medications. However, Crossings staff will retain physical possession of the medication supply and administration directions and will supervise the taking of them.
    • It is not possible to keep prescription medications in a locked, stationary container; they will be kept by the trip director in his/her backpack or on his/her person for safekeeping. With the exception of winter months, it is not possible to refrigerate medications. Applicants taking refrigerated medications must find a medically acceptable substitute not requiring refrigeration or attend another program that has refrigeration available.
  2. Individual records will be kept for any prescription drugs taken by participants, including the prescribing physician's name, a description of the medication and dosage, method of administration, verification in writing by treatment staff that the medication was taken and the times and dates given, and any adverse reactions to the medication.
  3. At the end of each trek, staff will return all medications to the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the participant. In the case of any medication with potential for abuse, staff will count the medication; tally the records of use during the trek and make sure all the medication is accounted for; seal the medication before sending it home; and inform the parent or guardian as to the quantities used on the trek.

"While I‘ve been here I‘ve been working on a lot of different things like how to express what I am feeling and not holding it in. It‘s taken a lot of practice and I am finally getting the hang of it. Another thing I‘ve been working on is my anger and trying to take it out in a more productive way then I have in the past I‘ve come up with a few ways that I am going to practice when I get home that will hopefully keep me out of my old ways." - 15 year old participant

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