Head lice are no one’s fault. So why do some people feel the need to bully others with lice?
Thankfully, no-nit policies in schools are easing up, but the misconceptions surrounding head lice are still going strong. Because of these myths, some parents and children keep quiet or are unsure of how to ask for help. In the meantime, this leaves many children living with lice for months or even years.
At My Hair Helpers, we don’t just sell head lice prevention and treatment products. We also provide education to parents and caregivers. By dispelling the myths about head lice, we believe that more people will be open to talking about their experiences and receiving treatment. Sadly, it’s silence that often allows head lice to thrive.
Meet Our Charity: Lice Free Forever
My Hair Helpers has a nonprofit organization called Lice Free Forever. Our vision is to remove the financial barriers of head lice treatment so that no child or person has to suffer with lice. Unfortunately, head lice hits hardest in lower income areas where families struggle to afford treatment. Things are further complicated when multiple children in the home have lice, the first treatment is ineffective or a child has multiple re-infestations.
By removing financial barriers, we can get children the help they need to be lice free, as well as educate parents and caregivers on how to keep their homes free of lice. Additional topics we cover include:
- Importance of routine lice checks
- How to identify and remove lice and nits
- Ways to reduce re-infestations
- Tips for preventing lice from spreading to siblings
- Clearing up myths regarding lice
Changing Children’s Lives One Treatment at a Time
Each year through Lice Free Forever, we meet children all over the world who are living with head lice. Even though head lice are more common in some communities than others, no child should have to endure this every day.
One girl we recently met had head lice for over a year! She had no friends, no confidence and no good nights of sleep. What a terrible way to live for such a young child! In just four hours, we were able to remove all of the lice and nits from her hair. We’re happy to report that she is doing much better now.
With the right help, lice are 100% treatable. While they can’t be avoided all of the time, there are ways to reduce the risk. We hope in time that there will be more programs to address children living with head lice, just as there are programs for bullying, free and reduced meals, etc. At this time, there are NO publicly funded programs for head lice.
One Solution: Schedule Lice Checks in Schools
Because there is a lack of head lice education in schools and communities, we recommend that schools put funds aside at the beginning of the year to schedule lice screenings. This way, all students can be checked for lice. If there are active cases, treatment can be provided on the spot or sent home with the student. Educational materials will also be provided to parents and caregivers.
If head lice are a problem in your school, imagine how a simple lice screening can change your students’ lives. They’ll be happier and more productive in school, leading to improved test scores, attendance and behavior. Hopefully, bullying will improve as well. Remember, with the right attention, lice are 100% curable.
To learn more about our Lice Free Forever Charity, or to make a donation, visit My Hair Helpers and click the yellow “Make a Donation” box. Or, schedule a lice screening for your school and get a better understanding of which students are dealing with lice. Thank you for your support!
