The program will give students in 20 elementary schools access to primary care services, while students in 10 middle and high schools will be able to access telemental health services.
Atrium Health is turning a $10 million gift from Bank of America into an ambitious telehealth program aimed at improving access to healthcare services in schools and other sites.
The Charlotte, NC-based health system is launching its Meaningful Medicine program in 20 elementary schools and 10 middle and high schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district during the upcoming school year, and plans to expand the program to 50 schools within three years. The elementary schools will receive school-based virtual care, while middle and high schools will receive telemental health services.
"By improving the wellbeing of our students across Charlotte, we are not only investing in their health, but in our collective future," Eugene A. Woods, Atrium Health's president and CEO, said in a press release. “These young girls and boys will be the future doctors and nurses that will serve the needs of our growing community in the decades to come – and Atrium Health is proud to help model for the nation how health systems, businesses, schools and public officials can work together to have a meaningful impact in historically underserved communities."
“Affordable, accessible medical care is key to the health and well-being of our students,” added Hugh Hattabaugh, CMS' interim superintendent. “The Meaningful Medicine program provides another option for parents to meet their children’s healthcare needs and keep them in the classroom where they can reach their highest academic potential.”
Armed with the latest in digital health technology, school districts across the country are developing virtual care programs that turn the nurse's office – or any room in a school – into a clinic, giving both students and staff access to primary and specialty care services at a moment's notice. The platform helps schools improve access to basic care for staff and underserved students, gives older students and on-demand connection to behavioral health specialists, and reduces time lost to sick days.
The programs also aim to reduce chronic diseases and other negative health outcomes by reducing the barriers to care caused by social determinants of health and supporting health and wellness services.
Atrium Health is also partnering with Central Piedmont Community College and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte on the program, with plans to extend virtual health services to those sites as well.
School-based telehealth services will be provided by providers from Atrium Health's Levine Children's Hospital, working with nurses at each school employed by Mecklenburg County Public Health.
Eric Wicklund is the associate content manager and senior editor for Innovation, Technology, and Pharma for HealthLeaders.