5 Maryland schools get health boost from new telemedicine program

Five schools in Ellicott City, Maryland – Phelps Luck Elementary School, Running Brook, Bryant Woods, Talbott Springs and Stevens Forest – are part of a new telemedicine project being administered by the Howard County Health Department to keep kids healthier and in the classroom. Through telemedicine technology, students will connect to a physician at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital in Baltimore and parents will have the option of joining the teleconference. The technology will be used primarily for the diagnoses of minor illnesses such as sore throats, eye and ear infections, skin rashes, allergies and respiratory illnesses.

“Providing school-based health services keeps kids in school, improves grades, enhances the overall health of students and saves money for families who don’t have to miss work,” said Sen. Barbara Mikulski. “With telemedicine…Howard County schools will keep kids healthy, safe and learning while on the path to successful futures.”

Howard County is the first Maryland school system in the state to offer this new technology. “This will be a boon for all of our students and families to have this technology. A lifeline for those with the greatest need,” said Dr. Renee Foose, Superintendent of Howard County Schools. “It is not about technology. It is about our children,” said Dr. Foose.