February 27, 2024
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (LCRH) is proud to announce the revitalized Lake Cumberland Schoolhouse Mobile Care program, a collaborative effort with Pulaski County, Somerset Independent, and Science Hill Independent Schools, with a new mobile vehicle. This innovative initiative, in coordination with school nurses, allows Lake Cumberland Medical Associates (LCMA) to serve the healthcare needs of over 10,000 students annually.
Following a vehicular collision where the previous mobile van was struck by another driver, resulting in its total loss, Schoolhouse Mobile Care was out of commission for a significant portion of 2023. However, late in the year, the Schoolhouse Mobile Care program welcomed a new vehicle, and as of the beginning of 2024, the interiors have been modernized. Led by nurses Valerie Allen, APRN, and Lojuanna Hardwick LPN, and supervised by Rob Edwards, RN, LCMA is excited to reintroduce the mobile van and eager to resume serving students across Pulaski County.
The inception of Lake Cumberland Schoolhouse Health stemmed from discussions in 2019 when financial constraints threatened to eliminate school nursing services within the districts. Recognizing the pivotal role of wellness in community health, LCRH stepped in to bridge the gap. Robert Parker, CEO of Lake Cumberland, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to continue this program with exceptional healthcare providers to our Lake Cumberland team and to continue this impactful program."
The enhanced Schoolhouse Health program facilitates full-service healthcare for students. In addition to conventional services such as medication management and acute care, nurses offer well-child visits, immunizations, physicals, and vaccines through telemedicine with parental consent. Notably, the program leverages telemedicine capabilities to facilitate seamless communication between school nurses and physicians at Lake Cumberland Medical Associates, streamlining the consultation process and potentially sparing parents the need for additional doctor visits.
Dr. Barry Dixon, President of Physician Services for Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, emphasized the significance of school-based healthcare, stating, "The health and wellness of our community's youth profoundly impact their academic performance. With students spending a significant portion of their day at school, it serves as an ideal platform to promote their long-term health."
School nurses play a vital role in ensuring continuity of care for students, particularly those managing chronic conditions. Beyond medical care, they serve as advocates for health promotion and early intervention, fostering a healthier school environment. This partnership solidifies that our dedicated school nurses will maintain their essential role in meeting the healthcare needs of our students every day. Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital's active participation underscores its commitment to enhancing community health, aligning perfectly with its mission of making communities healthier.
For more information on Schoolhouse Health, please visit LakeCumberlandHospital.com/schoolhouse-health.