For the first time, getting access to comprehensive healthcare will be as easy as going to school for some Phoenix area students.  This initiative marks a major step in expanding access to comprehensive healthcare services for students, staff, and families within the Arizona school district, ensuring that students can receive the care they need without unnecessary delays or disruptions to their education. The program will begin the week of March 31st at Alhambra High School and the Academies at South Mountain for students and staff. Future expansion is already in the works and will provide services to the families and the broader communities, and may expand to additional campuses over time. Staff and students are encouraged to email info@goldenhealthinitiative.com to create an account and receive services once the clinics are opened.

Expanding Healthcare Access for the PXU Community

“As a district, we are continuously looking for innovative ways to support our students, staff, and families,” said Thea Andrade, PXU Superintendent. “Our families have been asking for medical services and we are listening. This is the first step towards a comprehensive program that will support generations to come.”

How FirstNurse eClinics Work

“The integration of the FirstNurse eClinics - powered by 19Labs’ technology will provide comprehensive, integrated primary care via telehealth, including diagnoses and treatment, as well as social, behavioral, and mental health support,” said Christine Carvalho, Chief Executive Officer at Golden Health Initiative. “This model enhances the level of care available in schools while supporting the existing healthcare professionals who serve students every day.”

Impact on Student Health and Well-Being

The introduction of FirstNurse eClinics is expected to significantly improve student health outcomes, absenteeism, and overall well-being. Providing immediate access to medical and mental health professionals allows students to receive timely care, reducing health-related disruptions to their education.

“The ease of access to these resources is long overdue, and our community is excited for this first step,” said Laura Telles, PXU Chief Officer. “We anticipate these services will not only improve student health but also contribute to better academic performance and overall well-being.”

Supporting School Health Professionals at No Additional Cost to Families

The FirstNurse eClinics will also support school nurses and health assistants by alleviating workloads and offering professional development opportunities. Additionally, PXU providers will have the chance to earn extra hours by staffing community clinic locations in the evenings and on weekends.

“This program is designed to work within existing healthcare reimbursement systems, including private insurance and Medicaid,” Carvalho explained. “Schools will be reimbursed for the time their providers engage in the system and the space they provide during non-school community hours, offsetting some of the costs associated with salaries and healthcare service delivery. One of the concerns we heard from legislators we initially approached was to ensure that parental consent was managed, which is why we tapped into WellCheck to bring their vast experience implementing school-based health care in other states.”

Implementation and Expansion Plans

The initial rollout will take place at Alhambra High School and the Academies at South Mountain, both in Phoenix, Arizona. These schools were selected because their communities expressed significant interest. Plans are to expand services to the wider community by June, and more schools are expected to join the program in Fall 2025.

“We are thrilled to partner with PXU, GHI, and WellCheck to power the FirstNurse eClinics, setting a new standard for accessible and equitable healthcare in education. Integrating advanced telehealth solutions directly into school settings ensures that students receive timely, high-quality care without barriers. This partnership exemplifies our mission—solving the limitations of healthcare through innovation. We’re excited to see its profound impact on student well-being and academic success.” – Messias Soares, VP of Customer Success, 19Labs

A Model for the Future

This partnership represents one of the first examples of fully integrated, collaborative, school-based healthcare in the country. By leveraging advanced telehealth solutions and community partnerships, PXU, GHI, WellCheck, and 19Labs set a precedent for delivering comprehensive healthcare within educational settings. If successful, this model has the potential to expand beyond Arizona, bringing scalable, high-quality healthcare solutions to schools nationwide.

“We believe this is one of the first examples of comprehensive, collaborative care being implemented in schools,” said Carvalho. “While elements of school-based healthcare exist in other regions, this level of integration and collaboration is groundbreaking. We expect it to garner significant attention both in Arizona and nationally.”

About the Partners

Golden Health Initiative (GHI): GHI is dedicated to transforming healthcare access through innovative and community-centered approaches. We resolve healthcare barriers, bringing technology, connected data, and predictive AI together to provide patient-focused, comprehensive health care.

WellCheck:  WellCheck, an award-winning leader in public health innovation, is transforming health and safety across communities nationwide. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, we specialize in public health and school-based health solutions, empowering municipalities and educational institutions with our patent-pending, HIPAA-compliant software suite. By enhancing health equity and expanding access to care, WellCheck drives impactful change, supporting vital public health initiatives with cutting-edge technology. Our commitment to excellence and innovation makes us a trusted partner in advancing community well-being. www.WellCheck.us

19Labs: 19Labs is revolutionizing rural healthcare with telemedicine, real-time data systems, and medical delivery drones. Inspired by Florence Nightingale’s legacy, 19Labs ensures that no community is beyond the reach of quality care. The GALE platform integrates telehealth, diagnostics, and remote patient monitoring, while the GALE | Rural Information System (RIS) empowers providers with real-time insights and command-center coordination. GALE | Force medical delivery drones solve rural delivery with two-way transportation of life-saving supplies to even the most remote areas. In partnership with governments, healthcare leaders, and innovators like Zoom, Amwell, EchoNous, and others, 19Labs is shaping a future where healthcare knows no boundaries. www.19Labs.com