The Children’s Trust Significantly Expands Comprehensive School-Based Health Services to Pre-K through 12th Grade Students with nearly $26 Million Annual Investment
The Children’s Trust today announced a significant expansion of its HealthConnect in Our Schools initiative, marking a crucial investment in the physical and mental health and academic success of students across Miami-Dade County. Beginning in July 2025, The Trust allocated $25,824,500 annually to provide comprehensive school-based health services through six health care service agencies, reaching 283 schools.
In the previous funding cycle for this initiative, The Trust invested $16 million annually for several years, and increased to $20 million last fiscal year. This new expansion to nearly $26 million is a 29% increase from last year’s investment. The expansion will serve more than double the 141 schools that were previously supported over the past decade.
Additionally, through its partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH-MD) in Miami-Dade County, all M-DCPS schools and some charter schools are now receiving health services thanks to this increased investment and collaboration.
This expanded initiative aims to address the needs of students by increasing access to school-based health services through nursing, physical and mental health, in-person and telehealth, and mobile unit services. Research shows that a child’s health and wellness significantly impact learning, behavior, and overall quality of life.
“The Children’s Trust is committed to nurturing the well-being of every child in Miami-Dade County,” said James R. Haj, President & CEO of The Children’s Trust. “This significant expansion of our investment and collaboration in HealthConnect reflects our commitment to ensuring all students have access to the health services and education they need to thrive. By investing in their health today, we are investing in a brighter future for our entire community.”
“Student health is undoubtedly linked to academic performance,” said Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. “This expanded partnership with The Children’s Trust and Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County ensures that medical and mental health support is available right on our campuses. By increasing access to care, we are empowering our students to stay in the classroom and reach their full potential.”
Comprehensive Tiered Model of Care & Services
The Trust’s comprehensive school-based health model employs a three-tiered approach, offering various levels of staffing and health services tailored to the specific needs of students at different schools. The model integrates both telehealth and pediatric mobile unit services to enhance reach and effectiveness, supplementing onsite care, particularly in schools with limited resources. Both telehealth and mobile unit services are an expansion from the previous cycle of funded services.
For the first time since HealthConnect was established by The Trust in 2006, partner funders invested in the initiative. The Health Foundation of South Florida and United Way Miami each contributed $750,000 to fund the mobile unit services over five years which are primarily deployed to charter schools.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and health should never be a barrier to learning,” said Loreen Chant, President and CEO of the Health Foundation of South Florida. “Through our partnership with The Children’s Trust, HealthConnect delivers essential health services where they matter most, helping students stay well, stay engaged, and build a healthier future.”
“Every child deserves to be healthy, supported and ready to learn,” said Symeria Hudson, President and CEO of United Way Miami. “In Miami-Dade County, we know what’s possible when partners come together around our students. Through strong partnerships, United Way Miami is making an investment in HealthConnect and mobile health services – bringing critical physical and mental health care directly to students, advancing health equity and strengthening the future of our entire community.”
“Fourteen Academica-supported charter schools in Miami-Dade County began implementing the HealthConnect in Our Schools initiative this academic year. These schools greatly appreciate the wide range of services provided to their students by the contracted community health partners. We look forward to expanding this impactful initiative to more Academica-supported charter schools in the years ahead,” said Adriana Lima, Communications and Marketing.
“A healthy student is better positioned to learn, and the presence of a full-time registered nurse has strengthened the foundation of support we offer our students and families. Our collaboration with The Children’s Trust has allowed us to deliver expert, consistent care that truly meets the needs of our community,” said Monica Kress, Managing Director of Operations, KIPP Miami.
School health teams include advanced practice providers (APPs), registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), health aides/technicians, social workers, and mental health professionals. These professionals support nursing care, disease prevention, health promotion, and behavioral health.
Services offered include:
- Comprehensive school health and nursing services and medical screenings
- Behavioral health services
- Specialized Health Services such as Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Care, and nutritional counseling
- Tailored, schoolwide preventive health education
- Telehealth services to doctors and additional medical staff
Parental awareness and consent for all available services are crucial to ensure students receive the intended care.
Expected outcomes of HealthConnect in our Schools include improved student return-to-class rates, reduced instructional time lost due to health issues, increased student awareness and engagement in health practices related to nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being, and enhanced management of chronic conditions such as allergies, asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy.
“Through our longstanding partnership with The Children’s Trust, Nicklaus Children’s continues to support the HealthConnect in Our Schools program by bringing high-quality clinical and mental health services directly to children where they learn and grow,” said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “Since 2006, our collaboration has grown into a trusted network now reaching 70 schools across M-DCPS, all thanks to The Children’s Trust along with the exceptional work of our nurses and mental health clinicians who live our mission to inspire hope and create a healthier future for every child.”
“Through our pediatric services within Miami-Dade County Public and Charter schools, we are reducing barriers to care, improving attendance and supporting the academic success of our students,” said Ryan Hawkins, president and CEO of Jessie Trice Community Health System.
“Citrus Health Network’s partnership with The Children’s Trust through the Health Connect in Our Schools program is a vital investment in the well-being and future of our community’s children,” said Mario Jardon, Citrus Health Network Inc, President & CEO. Our team brings essential health services directly into schools, ensuring children have access to the care and support they need to thrive academically and personally. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities.”
“HealthConnect is about meeting students where they are—physically, emotionally, and academically,” said Blake Hall, Community Health of South Florida, Inc., President and CEO. “By bringing comprehensive, high-quality health services directly into schools, we’re removing barriers that too often keep children from accessing care. This initiative strengthens not only individual students, but families, schools, and the long-term health of our community.”
“Through our partnership with HealthConnect, UHealth is proud to expand access to high-quality healthcare where children spend most of their day—at school. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to keeping students healthy, engaged, and ready to learn,” said Lisa Gwynn, DO, MBA, MSPH, FAAP, University of Miami Health System.
“We believe all students deserve care when they need it and where they need it. By convening this incredible partnership, The Children’s Trust HealthConnect, together with incredible community partners and the Miami-Dade County School District, is removing barriers through on-site and virtual mental health services, which ensures more students can access support at home, in school, and throughout our community,” said Andrew Post, President, Hazel Health.
To learn more about HealthConnect, including a listing of schools and services provided, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org/healthconnect.
About The Children’s Trust The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their future. For more information, visit www.TheChildrensTrust.org.
Media Contact: Natalia Zea Chief Public Policy & Community Engagement Officer, The Children’s Trust Phone: (786) 598-2208 Email: natalia@thechildrenstrust.org
Elmo R. Lugo Media Relations Director, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Phone: (305) 697-8659
Email: erlugo@dadeschools.net
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