Podcast Episode

Why School Health Is About More Than Medicine

July 14th, 2026 | S1E4 | 3:51

What happens when schools have the right healthcare support in place? The impact reaches far beyond the classroom. In this clip from Virtual Health Connections, Sheila Freed, BSN, RN, NCSN, Clinical Operations Director of School Health and Senior Care at Avel eCare, shares a powerful story of how virtual school nursing transformed life for a family with a child living with Type 1 diabetes. By providing insulin oversight, training school staff, and supporting the student's daily care, Avel eCare's School Health team gave a mother the freedom to stop making multiple trips to school each day and eventually return to work, knowing her child was safe. Whether it's supporting chronic medical conditions, improving access to behavioral health, or partnering with schools to meet students where they are, Avel eCare's School Health program is helping children stay healthy, families feel supported, and students reach their full potential.

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Meet the Host

Jessica Gaikowski, MBA, brings both heart and strategic insight to her role as host of Avel eCare: Virtual Health Connections. with a background in healthcare administration and business, she understands the complexities of healthcare delivery and now leads conversations shaping where the industry is headed.

As Executive Director of Marketing and Sales Operations at Avel eCare, Jessica has been part of the organization’s journey from its early foundation within a large South Dakota health system to its growth as a national virtual care leader. On the podcast, she connects with industry experts to explore how telemedicine is redefining access, supporting care teams, and strengthening communities.

When she’s not talking healthcare, you’ll find her spending time with her family or cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

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