CMH and Bolivar Schools partner for tele-health program

Citizens Memorial Hospital and Bolivar Schools are partnering to provide tele-health services for Bolivar R-1 students and staff while they are at school. The newly formed Bolivar Schools Navigator program begins with the 2022-23 school year.

“We have a phenomenal nursing staff at Bolivar Schools, but their scope of care is limited,” said Dr. Richard Asbill, superintendent of Bolivar R-1 Schools. “Virtual appointments with doctors will provide an additional level of care with the convenience of students not having to leave school for an appointment. Our goal is that more students and employees will be able to stay in school for conditions that are not contagious. It also adds convenience for parents who don’t have to leave work or school to take a child to an unexpected appointment.”

The program is for students and staff who become ill with acute conditions while at school. They can stay at school while conducting a virtual appointment with a provider at the CMH Pediatric Clinic or Butterfield Park Medical Center. An on-site health navigator affiliated with CMH will communicate with parents and coordinate appointment scheduling.

“The navigator will be the link between the school nurse, student, parents and medical provider,” said Michelle Boehne, administrative director of clinics at CMH. “We look forward to collaborating with Bolivar Schools to benefit students, employees and their families.”

Parents can participate in the visits from their home or workplace and must give consent for a child to participate in a virtual visit. Visits will cost $30 if not covered by health insurance.

CMH and Bolivar Schools also are continuing a partnership started last spring to provide in-person appointments or virtual visits for school employees and their dependents between 7 and 8:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. The early morning appointments help reduce the need for substitute teachers.

For more information about the Health Navigator program, call 417-516-4262 or go to https://cmhbolivar.info/BolivarR1Health.