Preparing Schools for a Healthier School Year

As schools prepare for a new academic year, one important question remains: how will student health needs be supported? 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 what school leaders should be thinking about before students return to the classroom. From filling school nursing gaps and completing required immunization reviews to reducing administrative burden and improving student safety, Sheila explains how proactive planning can set schools up for success all year long. The conversation also explores the return on investment of school health. With a high return to class rate, virtual school nursing helps keep students healthy, engaged, and learning while allowing educators and administrators to focus on what they do best. By handling follow-up calls, documentation, and clinical support, Avel eCare's School Health program also saves valuable time for on-site staff and provides an affordable way to strengthen student safety. Sheila closes the conversation by sharing what continues to inspire her after years in school health: the students themselves. Their resilience, curiosity, and potential are reminders that investing in student health is ultimately an investment in stronger schools, healthier communities, and a brighter future.