The benefits of care at school for students and families

With a new school year upon us, it’s time for kids, parents and caregivers to get back into a more regular routine. For many, this is a predictable process, getting school supplies and making appointments for important, annual well-check visits. 

However, for families that lack access to a provider, readily available transportation or the flexibility to take time off from work, care appointments can be a challenge. In underserved or rural communities, the disparities can be even greater. For these reasons — and more — the ability to deliver care in a school setting is essential.

This type of care can be offered in different ways, including: 

By working with providers in the community, health care services can be administered to students at school or close by. For example, in Texas, Goodside Health is holding Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment wellness events at 200 schools to help identify and treat student health conditions, as well as coordinate any follow up care that may be needed.

These appointments are available to all students, regardless of their insurance coverage. School-based health centers can help provide essential preventive care to children, and convenience to their families who may not have sufficient access to these services otherwise. 

Staffed by health care professionals, these centers are located within a school, and are a place for students to relax or unwind. Wellness centers may also have information for additional support resources outside of what’s available on-site.

According to the Student Behavioral Health Report, a majority of students surveyed believe over the last two years, their mental health has been affected in a negative way.¹ For high school students, the reasons vary and include pressure over academics, social media and bullying.

This underscores the need for accessible behavioral health support, such as the wellness center located at Monarch High School in Colorado. It was visited by 1,200 students in the fall of 2023 and has proven to be so beneficial that an additional six high schools in the area also opened similar wellness centers. 

Telehealth technology can be leveraged to connect children with licensed health care providers while at school. This is beneficial for students, as they can receive care where they are already spending the majority of their day, and beneficial for parents, who may not have access to transportation to get to and from appointments easily.

This initiative in Iowa describes how telehealth provider Hazel Health helps provide virtual, age-appropriate mental health services for K-12 students during the school year. Investments in telehealth services like this one are helping to address many of the disparities that children in underserved or rural communities may face.  

By offering health care in a school setting, we’re able to provide valuable services and support to children who may not have regular or convenient access otherwise. Addressing needs early is critical to keeping kids safe and healthy, and these efforts can help us make an impact that can help set them up for success into adulthood.