InCareK12, a leading IT solutions provider to schools and school districts, is excited to announce the completion of the first round of a telemedicine project in rural Virginia.
InCareK12 worked with two school divisions in Region 7 (Radford City Schools and Bristol City Schools) to implement telemedicine carts that will enable students to receive additional health services within their own schools. School-based healthcare providers will be able to use the carts for telemedicine visits with students. These carts have been implemented at nine school sites across both divisions including all K-5 elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools.
InCareK12 has completed a project for two rural school divisions in Virginia to fund and implement TeleMedicine Carts.
InCareK12 has completed a project for two rural school divisions in Virginia to fund and implement telemedicine Carts.
InCareK12 has completed a project for two rural school divisions in Virginia to fund and implement telemedicine Carts.
A telemedicine cart includes an LCD monitor, a sound bar with tracking camera, microphone, speakers and a codec, a stethoscope, a general horus scope, an otoscope lens, and a touch controller. This kind of technology is especially helpful when there is no on-site doctor or nurse available during regular school hours (e.g., after hours).
The benefits of this type of program are numerous:
- Improvement in student attendance rates;
- Increased confidence levels among parents who may have limited resources or access to transportation
- Improving access to care services
The Region 7 consortium including Radford City Schools and Bristol City Schools is located in rural southwestern Virginia and has experienced economic hardships in recent years. The region has a high rate of poverty, unemployment, population loss, and educational attainment as compared to the state as a whole.
With the implementation of this program, the schools will be able to provide additional services to students by enhancing the school-based health model with telehealth equipment
InCareK12 is in a partnership between the two school divisions and Region 7 consortium. The project was made possible by a grant from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The first phase of the project was completed in 2022 with the installation of telehealth equipment at 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 2 high schools.
A two-phase grant implementation
The project is the first in a two-phase grant implementation that will include classroom technology and audio-visual equipment in these districts along with Wise County Public Schools, an additional partner in the project.
The InCareK12 Distance Learning system has been implemented successfully at several locations throughout Virginia, providing students access to a wide range of resources and courses from kindergarten through high school graduation. This service provides students with opportunities for coursework not otherwise available locally or to individuals who are unable to attend traditional classes due to work or family commitments.
A grant from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
The Region 7 Consortium was awarded a grant from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a program through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This funding enabled InCareK12 to provide Distance Learning services to rural schools with limited access to technology and healthcare resources.
This is a great opportunity for schools in Virginia who are looking to create or expand their health and wellness services. By using telemedicine technology, schools can provide a wealth of medical care without the need for additional staffing, which can be a cost prohibitive measure. We look forward to working with more schools who want to find innovative ways to improve student health!