Miami-Dade Schools Enhance Virtual Health Services for Students via Hazel Health Collaboration

Enhancing Student Health Support in Miami-Dade

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is making significant strides in improving student health by expanding its partnership with Hazel Health. Starting this month, students will have enhanced access to high-quality virtual mental and physical health care services, a critical addition aimed at tackling the pressing health challenges faced by many students today.

The initiative, backed by a substantial investment from UnitedHealthcare, is a vital part of a nationwide effort to ensure that school-centered health care reaches up to 1 million students across select states. This new collaboration points to an evolving model of education where schools serve as comprehensive hubs for student support, catering not only to academic growth but also to personal well-being.

Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres expressed the vision behind this initiative, stating, "Our schools have evolved into comprehensive support hubs where students can access vital resources that foster success both academically and personally." Through this partnership with Hazel Health, M-DCPS is emphasizing its commitment to breaking down barriers that hinder access to health care, with the aim of transforming the lives of students and their families.

The Reality of Student Mental Health

Approximately one in five children today faces mental health challenges, with issues like depression and anxiety being increasingly common. The alarming statistics reflect a grim reality; many children lack access to essential health services due to various obstacles, including provider shortages, stigma, and cost factors. This gap not only compromises their physical and mental wellbeing but can also adversely affect their academic performance and social interactions.

Andrew Post, President of Hazel Health, also highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues. "We have witnessed soaring rates of mental health challenges among children, and we understand the profound impact that these struggles can have on students' academic success. However, it transcends academic performance alone—it's about equipping young individuals with the resilience and tools they'll require throughout their lives. By investing in student health and wellness today, we can lay a foundation for their lifelong success."

Accessible Care Through Technology

The newly launched services allow students to access virtual health care from either school or home using connected devices. Various members of the school community, including nurses, counselors, teachers, and even families, can refer students to Hazel's services. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive timely and essential care, making it readily available in a culturally competent manner.

Notably, nearly 50% of Hazel Health’s healthcare providers identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and 40% of these dedicated professionals are bilingual. The diversity within Hazel Health's provider team is a key facet of its commitment to delivering equitable health services regardless of a student’s socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity.

Michael Lawton, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida, elaborated on the importance of providing health services in schools, saying, "Children spend a substantial part of their day in school, and providing medical and behavioral health services on-site helps to overcome various barriers to care. Our collaboration with Hazel Health and M-DCPS is pivotal in expanding these critical services."

Impact on Student Outcomes

Hazel Health stands out as the nation’s largest provider of school-centered telehealth, already serving 5 million students across 17 states. A third-party study from Clemson University has shown that 75% of participating students managed to achieve clinically significant reductions in anxiety and depression following an average of just six online therapy sessions. Furthermore, other encouraging research suggests that Hazel’s therapy programs help combat chronic absenteeism, with around 68% of students experiencing improved attendance, and over 30% maintaining zero absences since being referred.

In summation, the partnership between M-DCPS and Hazel Health represents a commendable step towards ensuring that students receive the necessary mental and physical health support. By addressing these vital needs within the school environment, Miami-Dade is setting a positive precedent for educational systems nationwide, aiming not merely for academic success but for the overall health and resilience of its students. For more information, visit hazel.co.