Free summer telehealth program available for public school students

This summer, Mississippi’s public school students can have free video visits with a medical provider through the Mississippi School-based Telehealth program. 

The program includes telehealth services for both minor medical care as well as behavioral health care. Care options cover a range of ailments for students, from sore throats and headaches to anxiety and depression. 

When a student needs minor medical or non-crisis behavioral health care this summer, the parent/guardian may call 601-815-2020 to schedule a visit with a University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) provider. The parent/guardian will use a computer, tablet or smartphone to let the student and provider see each other, talk and share information.

The provider will recommend treatment or make a referral during the video visit. Each video visit will require the consent of a parent or guardian and will include the parent/guardian, the student and the UMMC provider. The program is available to Mississippi public school students this summer through a grant from the Mississippi Department of Education.

Minor medical care will be available seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and behavioral health will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Medical professionals say that telehealth is a good choice for treating minor medical issues, including asthma and allergies, skin irritations, colds and flu, head lice, sore throat, pinkeye, headaches, rashes and fever.

Behavioral health care will be provided by experienced specialists in non-crisis situations for anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, coping skills, trouble expressing feelings and more. However, if a child is at risk of harming themselves or others, 911 or 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline should be called immediately.

Any Mississippi public school student can participate in the program this summer at no cost, and insurance is not a requirement for being seen through the program. Any costs for prescriptions and follow-up visits with primary care physicians or specialists, however, will be the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

The program is available to all children in Mississippi, but families outside the Mississippi public school system may be charged for the telehealth visit. For more information, visit www.umc.edu/Healthcare/Telehealth/Schools/Home.html.