“Our role as a school district is to address the most pressing needs of our students and families, and so we have continued to develop these types of ongoing strategic, creative partnerships throughout the city to bring more resources to our families and students,” said NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. “Keeping students healthy is a priority for us. In order for our students to receive a high-quality education they deserve; we must make sure that they stay in school when necessary and are healthy enough to learn and grow.”

This service removes the barriers to students accessing care, such as transportation issues, lack of access to the same-day appointment or parents not being able to take time off from work. Additionally, students can return to school sooner after recovering and have any school notes or other documentation sent to the school upon their visit with the school nurse. 

“Children’s Hospital’s School-Based Telehealth program brings the skilled services of our experienced pediatricians directly to children while in school,” says John R. Nickens IV, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital. “We are thrilled to partner with NOLA Public Schools to bring care to kids where they are with our on-demand video technology. School-based telehealth means kids return to the classroom sooner and parents can participate without needing to leave work or having to wait for an appointment.”

Thus far, Children’s Hospital New Orleans representatives have met with school leaders across the district to provide an overview of the program, answer any outstanding questions they may have and determine next steps. In late July, Children’s Hospital New Orleans started supplying schools with equipment and hosted training sessions. During school orientations, representatives from the hospital are meeting with parents to explain how the program works.