Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is advancing student health by expanding telehealth services provided by Hazel Health and supported through an investment by UnitedHealthcare.
These telehealth services, offered by Hazel Health, a leading provider of school-based telehealth, ensure that students can access high-quality virtual medical care for both physical and mental health needs without leaving their school campus. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration between UnitedHealthcare and Hazel Health, announced last year, to provide virtual school-centered health care for up to 1 million students across select states nationwide.
“Kids spend a lot of time at school, so providing medical and mental health care right there makes it easier for families to get the help they need,” said Michael Lawton, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida. “This care is available to all families, no matter their background or income. We’re proud to work with Hazel Health and M-DCPS to bring these important services to students and their families.”
The expansion of this program responds to the growing need for accessible health services for students, particularly in communities where families may face challenges in securing traditional medical care. By integrating telehealth services directly into schools, M-DCPS aims to provide timely medical attention, reduce absenteeism, and promote overall well-being among students.
“Our schools have evolved into comprehensive support hubs where students can access vital resources that foster success both academically and personally,” said Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. “Through our collaboration with Hazel Health, with the support of UnitedHealthcare, we are expanding our offerings to connect students with timely, essential school-centered services. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to removing barriers for our students and families and transforming lives through clinically-validated care.”
About 1 in 5 kids have mental health problems, with depression and anxiety being the most common conditions. Despite some improvements, many children still struggle to access the care they need due to a shortage of doctors, high costs, or feelings of embarrassment. Without proper care, these children may face difficulties in school, social interactions, and long-term development.
“We have witnessed soaring rates of mental health challenges and declining health indicators among children, adolescents, and their families, and we understand the impact that it has on a student’s academic success,” said Andrew Post, Hazel Health President. “However, this isn’t just about academic success – it’s about equipping our young people with the tools and resilience they’ll need throughout their lives. By investing in student health and wellness today, we’re not only improving their classroom performance, but we’re also laying the foundation for their lifelong success.”
With this expansion, Miami Dade County public school students experiencing health issues can connect with licensed medical professionals via secure video calls at school or at home. Whether dealing with minor illnesses, chronic conditions, or mental health challenges, students can now receive timely evaluations, recommendations, and referrals for further treatment if necessary.
Importantly, the service is available at no cost to families, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent children from receiving medical care. Hazel Health’s providers represent the communities that they serve. Their team of licensed clinicians have extensive experience serving a wide range of communities – 40% are bilingual, totaling 30+ languages spoken.
The program has already shown success in several schools, with students benefiting from prompt medical attention and referrals when necessary. School officials believe the expansion will further support families by filling gaps in healthcare accessibility and ensuring that students stay engaged in their education without health-related disruptions.
Parents interested in enrolling their children in the telehealth program can contact their school’s administration for more information. Through this initiative, M-DCPS continues its commitment to fostering a supportive, healthy, and successful learning environment for all students.
