WHEREAS, 80% of infectious diseases are spread through hand contact, and good hand hygiene has been a proven factor in reducing bacteria and limiting the spread of germs; and
WHEREAS, The Food and Drug Administration has stated that hand sanitizers with an alcohol content between 60% and 95% are highly effective in killing common bacteria responsible for respiratory and gastrointestinal illness, the most common reasons for illness resulting in school absence; and
WHEREAS, Multiple studies of varying degrees have shown that consistent hand sanitizing with alcohol-based gels can reduce student absences between 19.8% and 41.9%, and teacher absences approximately 10.1%; and
WHEREAS, With over 197,000 students in grades K-12, nearly 40,000 student illness absences could be avoided; and
WHEREAS, At an average cost of $12 to install and $90 to maintain gallon dispensers yearly, the productivity gained from increased student and teacher attendance outweighs the costs of installing and maintaining hand sanitizing units; and
WHEREAS, Ease of use and convenience make hand sanitizer dispensers an easier, more accessible method of hand cleansing for students than traveling to a bathroom sink, encouraging students to clean hands more often; and
WHEREAS, Hand washing programs will be easier for teachers and administration to implement using dispensers rather than traditional sinks, aiding the education of good sanitation practices to students; and
WHEREAS, Reduced student absences will also alleviate parents from missing work to care for their children, contributing to even greater work productivity levels; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the joint
Committees on Public Health and Human Services and Legislative Oversight
are hereby authorized
to hold public hearings exploring the health benefits and conveniences of installing hand sanitizer dispensers in all public elementary schools and city workplaces.
End
October 19, 2006