🏥 Van Buren County Schools Partners with Dolly Parton Children's Hospital for In-School Telehealth

Families in Van Buren County now have a new option when their children fall ill during the school day. Van Buren County Schools has launched a partnership with Dolly Parton Children's Hospital to bring secure video visits with healthcare providers directly into school buildings, allowing students to receive care without leaving campus or missing extended class time.

📱 How the Service Works

When a student becomes ill at school, the school nurse contacts the parent or guardian for consent. Once approved, the nurse connects the student with a healthcare provider through a secure video visit. Parents can join the call remotely by phone or video if they choose. The provider can evaluate symptoms, recommend treatment, and send prescriptions directly to the family’s pharmacy when needed. 💊

⭐ What Conditions Can Be Treated

The telehealth service addresses common minor illnesses that frequently keep students home from school. Providers can diagnose and treat sore throats, ear pain, coughs, colds, congestion, pink eye, rashes, allergies, fever, and flu. On-site testing is also available for strep, flu, and other illnesses as needed. 🩺

💡 Why This Matters for Families

The partnership addresses a practical challenge many families face: balancing a child’s health needs with work schedules and class attendance. By bringing pediatric care to school, the program reduces the need for parents to leave work, eliminates unnecessary trips to urgent care or doctor’s offices, and helps students stay in class when possible. Parents maintain full control through the consent process and can participate in the visit remotely. ✨

🗓️ Getting Started

Families interested in enrolling their students can visit the telehealth resources page at dollychildrens.org/your-visit/school-telehealth-resources for program details and registration information. Questions can be directed to the school nurse at any Van Buren County school. The service is available to all students enrolled in the Van Buren County School System. 📚