“This is an extension of the flu shots, keeping the
students happy and healthy,” Durham said. “If they are
sick, they are in their chairs not learning. So if they can
be seen and get two doses of antibiotics and get back
to their seats to continue learning, that’s a win-win for
everybody.”
With the help of local physician Dr. Steven Welch,
a program was created that would meet the needs of
each student and staff member of WISD, while embrac-
ing each entity’s mission, vision and values. Having this
new program in WISD is a game-changer for both nurses
and students, allowing children who don’t have access to
regular healthcare a chance to see a doctor.
“A lot of our kids who previously wouldn’t have
access to healthcare now will be able to access health-
care,” Mitchell said. “We can now test for strep, mono
and flu. If Dr. Welch feels like they need a prescription,
he can send in a prescription to the pharmacy of their
choice. They will get all [of] the healthcare that they
need. To be able to do more, at times our hands are tied
and we want to do the very best healthcare. With this, we
have a physician that we can consult with, we can get the
care that we know that they need.”
Through the use of telemedicine and
the Medpod Medical Cart, the healthcare needs of staff
and students can be met in a convenient setting with each
campus nurse. Kanga Care›s ultimate goal is to increase
the educational success of students and staff by assuring
access to healthcare. Early treatment of common illnesses
can decrease the need for expensive medical care and
unnecessary emergency room visits.
“We have the ability to treat any student at every
campus because we have the machinery at every campus.
If they are signed up for the program, they can be seen
by the physician or their school nurse,” Mitchell said. “So
someone that they know and trust can do a full assess-
ment and be seen by the doctor over the internet. It’s tele
help, so [we] have the ability to do a full assessment. The
nurse is the hands and eyes of the doctor, they can see
inside their ears, listen to their heart and lungs.”
For nurses like Mitchell, it reminds her of the days of
doctors bringing care to homes, giving bedside care to
sick patients.
“I think this is wonderful to bring care to the people.
Also futurist, but taking a step back to home visits and
that little personalized care. It could not be a more
perfect partnership. It has been amazing to work with the
Parker County Hospital District and we are happy,” she
said.
For parents, it takes some of the pressure off of them
by avoiding the long waits in the waiting rooms when
their child becomes sick at school. Kanga Care accepts
all private insurances, along with Medicaid. However,
the child does not have to have insurance to be seen.
For WISD staff, once they file insurance, they have a
$30-dollar visit fee. This allows staff to come and be seen
without leaving campus.
Like Durham said, it’s a win-win for everyone
involved.
orthington
Go see him at
Worthington CDJR
in Graham Today.
1609 US-380 | Graham, Tx | 940.549.2020 | worthingtoncdjr.net
Brookes Worthington
and grandaughters,
Tatum and Lyla
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