Student absences in Indiana and across the nation have grown exponentially since the COVID-19 pandemic, but one of the state’s smallest public school corporation located in the southwestern corner of Jackson County is working to combat the issue.
While there are various reasons for absences, Medora educators say mild illness is a strong factor in student absences.
“A goal for us always and in the state is to increase attendance,” Medora Principal Kara Hunt said.
Chronic absenteeism escalated during the pandemic, nearly doubling to peak at 21.1% in 2022, according to the state.
The Indiana Code defines chronic absenteeism as being absent 18 or more days within a school year for any reason — a higher standard than “habitual truancy,” which is 10 or more days without an excuse.
“It can be really tough for schools to stay under that,” Hunt said. “It only takes them getting sick a couple times and it can add up.”
As a solution, Medora now offers a virtual in-school urgent care service called Nurses Direct Connect. It provides virtual visits with a registered nurse practitioner and allows access to urgent care services directly from schools. All of which is 100% free for schools.
By using the telehealth service to directly connect with the student on site, students will get direct access to care services in real time.
This service is designed to help families from having to take time off from school or work to arrange appointments, find additional childcare or struggle with transportation.
The first step is the school nurse or a representative identifies a student displaying symptoms of common illness such as pink eye, strep throat, flu, etc. Following protocol, the school contacts the guardian to discuss the student’s condition and inquires if the parents are interested in a virtual consultation for their child right in the school office.
After an appointment is set, basic information including the student’s name, date of birth and contact details are entered into the scheduling system.
Necessary consents are sent to the guardian and the student can be seen in the school office using the provided equipment or, if preferred, in the convenience of the parent’s car.
“No student is ever seen by the nurse without an appointment set up by the parent or guardian and they are usually part of the meeting,” Hunt said.
Any required prescriptions are swiftly sent to the parent’s pharmacy of choice, ensuring they are available before they even leave the school parking lot.
For students on Medicaid there is no cost or there is an option of a $45 cash payment.
“It is really nice,” Hunt said. “It increases access for us because Medora is a small rural town. Our nurse, Ashley Mahin, has been instrumental.”
While the service is fairly new, a total of six kids have used the service this school year and all have been back to school within the next day, according to nurse practitioner Mahin.
“It is such a good thing for our kids here and for the community,” counselor Leah Young said.