Dare County Launches School-Based Urgent Care Telehealth Program for Students

The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), in collaboration with Dare County Schools and Surf Pediatrics and Medicine, is launching a novel School-Based Urgent Care Telehealth Program designed to offer students convenient access to medical care for common illnesses and minor health complexities during the school day.

The Fall 2026 pilot program is available to eligible students in grades 6–12. Through the program, students who become ill during the school day may be evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider through a secure virtual visit, allowing them to receive care while remaining at school whenever appropriate.

“This program is another example of how we can work together to improve access to healthcare for children and families,” said Jodi Wyant, DHHS Assistant Director of Clinical Services. “By bringing urgent care directly into the school setting through telehealth, we can help students receive timely medical attention while minimizing disruptions to their education and reducing the need for parents to leave work for routine, non-emergent illnesses.”

How the Program Works

Parents or guardians first enroll their student in the program. Enrollment can be completed by completing a registration packet found on the Dare County website or from the student's school. The registration packet should then be returned to the student’s school nurse.

If an enrolled student becomes ill during the school day, the student should report to the school nurse. The nurse will assess the student's condition and determine whether a telehealth visit is appropriate.

Before a visit begins, the school nurse will contact the student's parent or guardian to obtain verbal consent. If a visit is suitable, the student will meet virtually with a licensed healthcare provider in a private location at the school. The supplier evaluate the student's symptoms and recommend a suitable plan of care.

Based on the provider's recommendations, the student will return to class, be dismissed from school with an excused absence, and have a prescription sent to a local pharmacy.

The telehealth service may be appropriate for common, non-emergency conditions including:

• Sore throat
• Ear pain
• Minor eye irritation or redness
• Minor rashes and skin concerns
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Seasonal allergies
• Mild stomach issues

The program is designed for emergency and non-emergency medical challenges. Students experiencing a healthcare emergency continue to receive care via appropriate emergency healthcare solutions.

“School nurses play a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of students,” said DHHS School Nurse Supervisor Mandi Ferguson. “This partnership gives them another tool to help students access timely care and get back to learning whenever possible.”

For more Information About the School-Based Urgent Telehealth Program, click here.

Dare County DHHS recently offers school health services via public health nurses stationed in Dare County Public Schools. These solutions involves student health assessments, nursing care, health education, referrals for minor illnesses and injuries, and case treatment for students with long-term or special healthcare requirements.

According to Towards Healthcare, the acute care telemedicine market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates indicating the market size will increase from USD 36.14 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 129.85 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 15.27% from 2026 to 2035. Telemedicine solutions enhance patient outcomes in the acute care setting by enabling better access to specialists, ensuring the most susceptible patients receive timely care, and easing follow-up when patients live far from care. A telemedicine program supports ensuring patients aren’t turned away from a crowded emergency room and reduces expenses related to temporary physicians who would otherwise be needed to fill gaps in specialty care. Telemedicine technology allows acute care providers to manage patients onsite and avoid transferring them to other services, resulting in better revenue retention.

About Dare County Department of Health & Human Services

The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services is the primary section responsible for defending the health of all Dare County residents and protecting, strengthening, and supporting families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency.

The Department of Health & Human Services partners with individuals, families, and the community to strengthen their efforts towards healthy living, independence, permanence, and safety. The department is comprised of a public health division, social solutions division, and administrative division. The Dare County Health & Human Services Board is composed of members selected by the Dare County Board of Commissioners.

A recent report by Towards Healthcare highlights that the acute care telemedicine market is growing, as acute care telemedicine gives hospitals the capability to bring capable care to any location in minutes. It allows coordinated care for patients recovering at home or in rehab centers or nursing homes, removing the requirement for patient travel to hospitals. Not only do patients benefit, but doctors can manage more patients and be on call to consult remotely at many hospitals. Telemedicine platforms help hospitals offers rapidly consultations with remote doctors or a specialist that involves teleologists, tele-psychiatrists, or neurologists.