Highlands partners with Ronald McDonald Care Mobile to offer free medical services

Highlands School District students will have access to limited medical care on-site through a partnership with the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

The roving 40-foot truck will visit the district once each quarter to offer immunizations, physicals for sports, work permits and driver’s licenses.

“This will be available to all children regardless of their ability to pay,” board member Nicole Kocon said. “I am super excited to have the Care Mobile to serve the district. Their services are just another touch point to get our community members the care it needs to be healthy.”

There will be no cost to the district.

The program was introduced by Amber Dean, director of student services, during the school board meeting Aug. 14.

“It’s scheduled once each quarter, but I’m hopeful to get them here once a month,” Dean said.

There will be no cost for uninsured students. Those covered by insurance will not have a co-pay, Dean said.

Make an appointment

The Care Mobile will visit for the first time in October. Appointments can be scheduled through the school nurse, and parents can attend the visit if they want.

Other services offered include well-child and sick-child visits, referrals to specialists, vision screening and sexual health care.

Services are provided by either a physician or an advanced practice provider such as a nurse practitioner. There also are registered nurses on the truck who accompany the provider.

Unique to the Care Mobile is a Distraction Therapy Program, according to the group’s website. It helps alleviate stress children can experience at the doctor’s office.

Exam rooms are transformed into a Pittsburgh Penguins-themed igloo or under-the-sea adventure to help engage their imagination.

Board member Deb Lehew is excited about the possibilities that come with the Care Mobile.

“It will afford our students and their families opportunities to not only receive routine health care options, but it would afford those who need care due to illness and who need a consultation or referral easy access at one of our school locations,” Lehew said.

She said it is an opportunity to help meet the physical, social and emotional needs of students and help families to access services in a convenient way.

“Physical and emotional health are essential for learning to occur,” Lehew said.