Deer River students often face long trips just to see a doctor. With many living on or near the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation, almost half are Native American, and many rely on the Indian Health Service. While there’s a health clinic nearby, the challenge remains: parents need to take time off work to get their kids to appointments.
To tackle this issue, Deer River launched a telehealth program in partnership with Essentia Health. Project Manager Susan Nelson explained that the program gives students access to healthcare from school, using just an iPad. Appointments can take place through video conferencing, which cuts down on travel time and missed school days.
In the early stages, most appointments were with Essentia. However, Nelson recently formed partnerships with other providers, such as North Homes Children and Family Services, expanding options for students. To date, around five students have used the service for various therapy sessions, saving valuable time and resources for families.
Dana Scherf, operations manager at Essentia, noted that the goal is to make healthcare accessible while reducing absenteeism. A recent study suggests that telehealth use has surged by over 50% in rural areas, highlighting its potential benefits in such communities.
Deer River has been a pioneer in integrating health services into education. The district was one of the first to participate in Minnesota’s full-service community schools initiative, designed to break down barriers to education, like health and housing.
Looking ahead, the telehealth program is just the beginning. Plans are in place to create a full school-based health center, which will offer more comprehensive services, from dental care to vaccinations. This center will not only serve students but the entire community, promoting overall well-being.
“Health and education belong together,” Nelson said. Her commitment to providing equal access to resources, especially in underserved areas, is evident. By making healthcare available at school, Deer River aims to help students thrive, not just survive.
For more information on the benefits of telehealth in rural areas, see the National Rural Health Association’s report.
