The Children\u2019s Trust today announced a significant expansion of its HealthConnect in Our Schools initiative, marking a crucial investment in the physical and mental health and academic success of students across Miami-Dade County. Beginning in July\u00a0<\/p>\n
2025, The Trust allocated $25,824,500 annually to provide comprehensive school-based health services through six health care service agencies, reaching 283 schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the previous funding cycle for this initiative, The Trust invested $16 million annually for several years, and increased to $20 million last fiscal year. This new expansion to nearly $26 million is a 29% increase from last year\u2019s investment. The expansion will serve more than double the 141 schools that were previously supported over the past decade.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Additionally, through its partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH-MD) in Miami-Dade County, all M-DCPS schools and some charter schools are now receiving health services thanks to this increased investment and collaboration.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This expanded initiative aims to address the needs of students by increasing access to school-based health services through nursing, physical and mental health, in-person and telehealth, and mobile unit services. Research shows that a child\u2019s health and wellness significantly impact learning, behavior, and overall quality of life.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Children\u2019s Trust is committed to nurturing the well-being of every child in Miami-Dade County,\u201d said James R. Haj, President & CEO of The Children\u2019s Trust. \u201cThis significant expansion of our investment and collaboration in HealthConnect reflects our commitment to ensuring all students have access to the health services and education they need to thrive. By investing in their health today, we are investing in a brighter future forour entire community.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cStudent health is undoubtedly linked to academic performance,\u201d said Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. \u201cThis expanded partnership with The Children\u2019s Trust and Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County ensures that medical and mental health support is available right on our campuses. By increasing access to care, we are empowering our students to stay in the classroom and reach their full potential.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Trust\u2019s comprehensive school-based health model employs a three-tiered approach, offering various levels of staffing and health services tailored to the specific needs of students at different schools. The model integrates both telehealth and pediatric mobile unit services to enhance reach and effectiveness, supplementing onsite care, particularly in schools with limited resources. Both telehealth and mobile unit services are an expansion from the previous cycle of funded services.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For the first time since HealthConnect was established by The Trust in 2006, partner funders invested in the initiative. The Health Foundation of South Florida and United Way Miami each contributed $750,000 to fund the mobile unit services over five years which are primarily deployed to charter schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and health should never be a barrier to learning,\u201d said Loreen Chant, President and CEO of the Health Foundation of South Florida. \u201cThrough our partnership with The Children\u2019s Trust, HealthConnect delivers essential health services where they matter most, helping students stay well, stay engaged, and build a healthier future.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery child deserves to be healthy, supported and ready to learn,\u201d said Symeria Hudson, President and CEO of United Way Miami. \u201cIn Miami-Dade County, we know what\u2019s possible when partners come together around our students. Through strong partnerships, United Way Miami is making an investment in HealthConnect and mobile health services \u2013 bringing critical physical and mental health care directly to students, advancing health equity and strengthening the future of our entire community.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFourteen Academica-supported charter schools in Miami-Dade County began implementing the HealthConnect in Our Schools initiative this academic year. These schools greatly appreciate the wide range of services provided to their students by the contracted community health partners. We look forward to expanding this impactful initiative to more Academica-supported charter schools in the years ahead,\u201d said Adriana Lima, Communications and Marketing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cA healthy student is better positioned to learn, and the presence of a full-time registered nurse has strengthened the foundation of support we offer our students and families. Our collaboration with The Children\u2019s Trust has allowed us to deliver expert, consistent care that truly meets the needs of our community,\u201d said Monica Kress, Managing Director of Operations, KIPP Miami.\u00a0<\/p>\n
School health teams include advanced practice providers (APPs), registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), health aides\/technicians, social workers, and mental health professionals. These professionals support nursing care, disease prevention, health promotion, and behavioral health.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Services offered include:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Comprehensive school health and nursing services and medical screenings 2. Behavioral health services\u00a0
\n Specialized Health Services such as Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Care, and nutritional counseling\u00a0
\n Tailored, schoolwide preventive health education\u00a0
\n Telehealth services to doctors and additional medical staff\u00a0<\/p>\n
Parental awareness and consent for all available services are crucial to ensure students receive the intended care.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Expected outcomes of HealthConnect in our Schools include improved student return-to-class rates, reduced instructional time lost due to health issues, increased student awareness and engagement in health practices related to nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being, and enhanced management of chronic conditions such as allergies, asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough our longstanding partnership with The Children\u2019s Trust, Nicklaus Children\u2019s continues to support the HealthConnect in Our Schools program by bringing high-quality clinical and mental health services directly to children where they learn and grow,\u201d said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children\u2019s Health System. \u201cSince 2006, our collaboration has grown into a trusted network now reaching 70 schools across M-DCPS, all thanks to The Children\u2019s Trust along with the exceptional work of our nurses and mental health clinicians who live our mission to inspire hope and create a healthier future for every child.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough our pediatric services within Miami-Dade County Public and Charter schools, we are reducing barriers to care, improving attendance and supporting the academic success of our students,\u201d said Ryan Hawkins, president and CEO of Jessie Trice Community Health System.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCitrus Health Network\u2019s partnership with The Children\u2019s Trust through the Health Connect in Our Schools program is a vital investment in the well-being and future of our community\u2019s children,\u201d said Mario Jardon, Citrus Health Network Inc, President & CEO. Our team brings essential health services directly into schools, ensuring children have access to the care and support they need to thrive academically and personally. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHealthConnect is about meeting students where they are\u2014physically, emotionally, and academically,\u201d said Blake Hall, Community Health of South Florida, Inc., President and CEO. \u201cBy bringing comprehensive, high-quality health services directly into schools, we\u2019re removing barriers that too often keep children from accessing care. This initiative strengthens not only individual students, but families, schools, and the long-term health of our community.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough our partnership with HealthConnect, UHealth is proud to expand access to high-quality healthcare where children spend most of their day\u2014at school. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to keeping students healthy, engaged, and ready to learn,\u201d said Lisa Gwynn, DO, MBA, MSPH, FAAP, University of Miami Health System.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe all students deserve care when they need it and where they need it. By convening this incredible partnership, The Children\u2019s Trust HealthConnect, together with incredible community partners and the Miami-Dade County School District, is removing barriers through on-site and virtual mental health services, which ensures more students can access support at home, in school, and throughout our community,\u201d said Andrew Post, President, Hazel Health.\u00a0<\/p>\n
To learn more about HealthConnect, including a listing of schools and services provided, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org\/healthconnect<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n About The Children\u2019s Trust\u00a0<\/p>\n The Children\u2019s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their future. For more information, visit www.TheChildrensTrust.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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