COLUMBUS, Ind. — Schools in Crothersville and Austin are now providing “telehealth” clinics to students. This care providing model increases the availability of preventive care, prevents minor ailments from becoming serious illnesses, and also saves time.
CEO of Managed Health Services, Kevin O’Toole, says students with health concerns can have appointments set by the school nurse. The doctor comes to the school to provide the care requested.
Officials from the Indiana Rural Health Association say the method is also a way to get care to low-income families. Community Health Outreach Program Manager Jennifer Hill says rural children, parents and schools are already experiencing positive outcomes and demand for the clinics continues to grow. The program has gone so well, Hill states that over the next four years, it could have a footprint that covers the state and beyond. “We might eventually even look at partnering with neighboring states, because we have had some interest in that,” Hill adds.
The program is similar to one under consideration by the Bartholomew County commissioners.
