WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026
1B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Off to a great start!
COURTESY TYRRELL COUNTY SCHOOLS
The school year has officially begun at Tyrrell Elementary School
Dare County launches school-based urgent care telehealth program for students The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with Dare County Schools and Surf Pediatrics and Medicine, is launching a new schoolbased urgent care telehealth program designed to provide students with convenient access to medical care for common illnesses and minor health concerns during the school day. The fall 2026 pilot program is available to eligible students in grades 6-12. Through the program, students who become ill during the school day may be evaluated by a licensed he a lt hc a re prov ider through a secure virtual
visit, allowing them to receive care while remaining at school whenever appropriate. “This program is another example of how we can work together to improve access to healthcare for children and families,” said Jodi Wyant, DHHS assistant director of clinical services. “By bringing urgent care directly into the school setting through telehealth, we can help students receive timely medical attention while minimizing disruptions to their education and reducing the need for parents to leave work for routine, non-emergent illnesses.”
HOW THE PROGRAM
WORKS
Parents or guardians must first enroll their student in the program. Enrollment can be completed by completing a registration packet found on the Dare County website at tinyurl.com/3bud8am5 or from the student's school. The registration packet should then be returned to the student’s school nurse. Enrollment for the fall 2026 pilot program closes September 3, 2026. If an enrolled student becomes ill during the school day, the student should report to the school nurse. The nurse will assess the student's condition and determine whether a telehealth
visit is appropriate. Before a visit begins, the school nurse will contact the student's parent or guardian to obtain verbal consent. If a visit is appropriate, the student will meet virtually with a licensed healthcare provider in a private location at the school. The provider will evaluate the student's symptoms and recommend an appropriate plan of care. Depending on the provider's recommendations, the student may return to class, be dismissed from school with an excused absence and/or have a prescription sent to a local pharmacy. The telehealth service may be appropriate for common,
non-emergency conditions including: • Sore throat • Ear pain • Minor eye irritation or redness • Minor rashes and skin concerns • Cold and flu symptoms • Seasonal allergies • Mild stomach issues The program is intended for urgent, non-emergency medical concerns. Students experiencing a medical emergency will continue to receive care through appropriate emergency medical services. “School nurses play a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of students,” said DHHS school nurse supervisor Mandi Ferguson. “This
partnership gives them another tool to help students access timely care and get back to learning whenever possible.” For more information about the schoolbased urgent telehealth program, go to tinyurl. com/3bud8am5. Dare County DHHS currently pro vides school health services through public health nurses stationed in Dare County Public Schools. Those services include student health assessments, nursing care, health education, referrals for minor illnesses and injuries, and case management for students with chronic or special healthcare needs.