Funding Supports School-Based Telehealth Services in NY State

After receiving funding from the Rochester City School District (RCSD), Monroe County, and ESL Credit Union, RCSD students will gain access to advanced telehealth units for acute care, chronic health, mental health, and follow-up care assistance.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that over 40 percent of school-aged children battle at least one chronic health condition. The CDC also notes that treating pediatric patients with chronic conditions can be a complex process consisting of continuous management and watching for emergencies.

However, as telehealth services grow, their application and use occur within various types of facilities. Telehealth use in educational settings, for example, is becoming increasingly prominent.

With financial support through the partnership, the RCSD will give students access to triage and assessment for various medical needs. This will take place through advanced telehealth units located within the school setting.

“Together, this partnership recognizes the pressing need to address the mental health challenges our youth face. It is a stark reality that mental health issues among students are on the rise, and we must act decisively to provide the necessary support,” said Carmine Peluso, PhD, superintendent of the RCSD, in a press release. “The expansion of these student health centers represents our unwavering commitment to meeting our students' comprehensive healthcare needs. Through telemedicine, medical care, social-emotional support, and specialized mental health services, we aim to create a safe and nurturing environment where every student can thrive.”

The partnership includes not only the RCSD, Monroe County, and ESL Federal Credit Union but also the ESL Charitable Foundation and the Pediatric Health Partnership, a collaboration that includes the University of Rochester Golisano Children’s Hospital, Rochester Regional Health, community health centers, and community-based independent primary care practices.

“The mental health and well-being of our children must always be top of mind to ensure they are present and ready to learn,” said Faheem Masood, president and CEO of ESL Federal Credit Union, in the press release. “At ESL, we invest in programs like this because we believe every child in our community deserves access to a high-quality education and we want to do our part to ensure they have the necessary resources available to them throughout their education journey. We extend a big thanks to the Rochester City School District, Monroe County, University of Rochester Medical Center, and Rochester Regional Health for collaborating to make this telehealth initiative possible.”

In addition, the New York State Office of Mental Health is providing a grant that will allow the district to grow its number of student health centers. Increasing from seven locations to 16, these health centers will provide medical, social-emotional, and mental health services.

The implementation of school-based telehealth services is on the rise.

In April, Hallowell-based MCD Global Health (MCD) led an effort to provide Woodland Elementary and Woodland Junior-Senior High School students with virtual behavioral healthcare tools.

This effort was launched after a community assessment showed the need for behavioral healthcare access. A matching grant from Point32Health Foundation allowed for the creation of the behavioral health teletherapy program. The tools enable service navigators to assist students in obtaining access to behavioral health services virtually or in person.

Earlier this year, the Harris County School District began working with Mercer Medicine to add a school-based telehealth initiative. Through this effort, students and school employees gained access to healthcare to reduce absences and limit education gaps.

Students and school employees can be scheduled for a telehealth visit with Mercer Medicine after a visit to the school nurse. The nurses take vital signs and conduct other exams upon guidance from clinicians from a Mercer Medicine primary care clinic.