School-Based Telehealth in Newport News,Viginia

Sentara Health has expanded its innovative school-based telehealth program to include Newport News Public Schools, providing students and faculty with immediate access to high-quality medical care without leaving the school premises.

This initiative, part of Sentara's commitment to enhance healthcare accessibility, now operates in Newsome Park Elementary School and Stoney Run Elementary School. The program features an on-site licensed practical nurse collaborating virtually with Sentara's healthcare providers, such as nurse practitioners or physicians, to conduct comprehensive remote physical examinations and make real-time clinical decisions.

Dr. Michele Mitchell, superintendent of Newport News Public Schools, emphasized the program's significance, stating that it enables families to obtain medical attention faster, reduces student absences, and helps maintain a strong learning environment for all students.

By integrating school telehealth clinics into the educational environment, Sentara aims to reduce traditional barriers to healthcare, decrease student absenteeism, and minimize the time parents spend away from work. This approach not only supports the immediate health needs of students but also contributes to their long-term educational success.

The expansion into Newport News is part of a broader effort to implement student health services in over 25 Title I schools across Virginia within the next two years, underscoring Sentara's dedication to improving community health through innovative solutions.