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Winchester schools report early use of Valley Health telehealth clinic at John Hanley High School
Summary
A school-based telehealth clinic launched in March 2025 at John Hanley High School in partnership with Valley Health. In its first three months the clinic handled dozens of visits for students and staff and staff reported quicker diagnosis, prescriptions sent same day, and reduced classroom downtime for employees.
Winchester Public Schools and Valley Health have opened a school-based telehealth clinic at John Hanley High School, district leaders told the Chesterfield School Board. The clinic began operations in March 2025 and has already provided dozens of visits for students and staff.
Dr. Estebo, who presented the program details, said the clinic workflow begins when a student reports to the school nurse. The nurse evaluates the student and — with parental permission — refers the student to the Valley Health clinic space at the school. A Valley Health medical assistant collects insurance information, takes vitals and conducts any necessary testing, then connects the student to a remote provider (nurse practitioner, physician assistant or doctor) by telehealth. Parents may join the visit remotely. Providers may issue prescriptions to the family’s chosen pharmacy.
District data presented for the clinic’s first three months show: March — 27 student visits and 29 staff visits; April — 32 student visits and 11 staff visits; May — 21 student visits and 8 staff visits. Presenters said benefits already observed include earlier identification and response to strep-throat cases after a school trip, fewer staff absences because employees can return to class after a short visit, faster prescriptions, and fewer missed student days caused by scheduling barriers to outside appointments.
District staff said the pilot is currently limited to John Hanley High School while Valley Health and the district monitor operations and Medicaid/payment processes; expansion to other schools was discussed as a next-step option but no formal expansion plan was yet in place.
