Healthy students are more successful — and their well-being is the key to a brighter future for us all. We’re on a mission to reduce absences and support working families. School-based clinics are making that happen.
Telehealth leverages innovative technology and brings together a coordinated and knowledgeable care team with the existing safety net of school nursing programs to help students live healthier lives.
but absenteeism threatens academic achievement. In both rural and urban districts across the Carolinas, where many families juggle multiple low-wage jobs, access to quality health care is a challenge with cascading effects. Students miss class. Parents leave work to administer medication, go to the doctor or take the child home. And often, after-hours clinics and the emergency department become the only alternatives.
With telehealth, technology makes it possible to connect students, parents and care providers in a virtual visit. Often, students can be diagnosed, treated and sent back to class. With more complex cases, we can identify significant health issues early on and coordinate referrals to specialists.
School-based telehealth is a practical solution that addresses problems of access and absenteeism like never before. We’re keeping students in school, alleviating stress for teachers and administrators, and enabling parents to focus on their work. Through school-based care, we’re working together to carry out the true purpose of public education: providing all students and families opportunities for success and fulfillment.
See how school-based telehealth is a game changer for Bessemer Elementary School student Kaleesi and her family.
Cone Health, Guilford County, NC
With limited access to nearby medical facilities, telehealth has bridged the gap in powerful ways at Graham Elementary School.
Atrium Health, Shelby, NC
brings together healthcare, education and nonprofit leaders with a shared mission: to promote student success by keeping young people healthy and in school.
As pediatric providers, administrators, educators and telehealth pioneers, we represent different health and school systems in settings both urban and rural. What unites us more than anything is a passion for health equity and access to care. No matter our role or where we work and live in the Carolinas, we’ve come together to build an initiative that we know works. By sharing knowledge, resources and strengths, we’re able to help new telehealth programs launch successfully and become sustainable. Together, we’re expanding the availability of school-based telehealth to benefit as many schools and families as possible. We are at the forefront of using telehealth as a solution and since then have devoted our efforts to helping other districts to the same.
May 2026 May Is Mental Health Month: Rowan County Promotes Awareness, Access, and Community Connection In recognition of Mental Health Month this May, Rowan County Public Health (RCPH) is leading a series of community-focused initiatives designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect residents to critical mental health and substance use supports. Mental Health Month […]
See “Post Gallery” below for photos from the CAST 1st Annual Behavioral Health Summit.
