In today’s educational landscape, the connection between student health and academic achievement has become increasingly evident. Yet, disparities in healthcare access persist, particularly among vulnerable populations. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these inequities, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare solutions within school settings. In response to these challenges, the School-Based Health Alliance (SBHA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, has launched a landmark initiative focused on enhancing care coordination for students in schools with school-based health centers.
The School-Based Health Care Coordination (SBHCC) Initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex healthcare needs of students. By strategically implementing care coordination activities in school-based health centers across four major cities—Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Miami—SBHA aims to improve health outcomes and promote health equity among underserved student populations.
The concept of school-based health care coordination encompasses a holistic approach to healthcare delivery, integrating medical, behavioral health, and social services to address the diverse needs of students. This coordination spans students; parents/guardians; school-based staff, including nurses, social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, and educators; primary, mental, vision, and oral health care providers; and other community-based health care professionals. Care coordinators, integral to this model, play a vital role in navigating the complex healthcare landscape and connecting students with appropriate resources and support systems, but in the past, IT integration challenges have impaired their efforts.
The Right Technology to Coordinate Care
Interoperability and data standardization promotes better communications among those who are instrumental in student’s health needs and care. Central to the success of the SBHCC Initiative lies MyCareCircle, a sophisticated care coordination platform developed by Zane Networks. The platform facilitates the secure exchange of patient information by leveraging the Health Level 7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. This not only enables seamless interoperability among disparate information systems, but it also empowers stakeholders to collaborate effectively in the delivery of student healthcare services.
Hosted on cloud infrastructure, MyCareCircle aggregates clinical and non-clinical data to provide a holistic view of students’ health needs. Through standardized questionnaires and care plan templates, MyCareCircle facilitates the creation and dissemination of personalized care plans, ensuring that all members of the care team are aligned in their efforts to support student well-being.
Better care coordination between schools and the broader community can help create a network of support for students and families, particularly for students who experience barriers to access because of structural inequities or where they live. Through MyCareCircle, the SBHCC Initiative is designed to improve health equity by not only helping young people access comprehensive health services, but also by addressing social factors such as access to housing, food security, and transportation.
MyCareCircle and the platform’s open-source version, Operational Data Hub (ODH) currently serve as vital infrastructure assets in other national initiatives including the Administration for Children and Families, and state-directed projects like Integrated Care for Kids programs.
Better Health Can Lead to Higher Performance
Research indicates that access to quality healthcare services in schools positively impacts both academic performance and overall health outcomes. According to a study published in Pediatrics, school-based health centers improve access to health care services for students by decreasing financial, geographic, age, and cultural barriers, while supporting the health and mental health needs and the academic achievements of children and adolescents, particularly students with health disparities or poor access to healthcare.
Furthermore, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the disproportionate impact of healthcare disparities on low-income and minority students. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to face barriers to healthcare access, including lack of insurance coverage, transportation challenges, and limited availability of healthcare providers in their communities.
One of the ways the SBHCC Initiative aims to address these disparities is by deploying care coordinators in schools serving predominantly low-income student populations. These coordinators undergo comprehensive training and receive ongoing support to effectively navigate the healthcare and education systems, advocate for students’ needs, and foster collaboration among key stakeholders.
Beyond direct healthcare provision, SBHA advocates for policy changes to sustain the role of care coordinators through Medicaid reimbursement. This policy advocacy reflects a broader commitment to systemic change and the creation of sustainable healthcare solutions for underserved communities.
Efforts like the SBHCC Initiative underscore the critical role of care coordination in promoting student health and academic success. By leveraging the latest technologies such as MyCareCircle and fostering collaborative partnerships between industry leaders and advocacy organizations, our industry is better equipped to address healthcare disparities, improve health outcomes, and create a more equitable educational environment for all students. As we continue to navigate the complexities of care delivery, it is essential to prioritize investments in school-based health initiatives that focus on student well-being and promote health equity across communities.
Alexandra Jellerette
Alexandra Jellerette is President of Zane Networks.
