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Robeson County board approves Hazel Health teletherapy partnership for students, 9–1 vote
Summary
The board voted 9–1 to approve a partnership with Hazel Health to provide school‑centered telehealth mental health services at no direct cost to the district; parental consent will be required and Hazel Health may bill insurance where available.
The Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education approved a partnership with Hazel Health to provide school‑centered teletherapy and mental‑health services for enrolled students.
Dr. Sherry Herndon presented the item as the board considered the district mental‑health plan, which includes Hazel Health. Reading from a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services press release, Dr. Herndon said Hazel Health "is the nation's largest provider of school centered telehealth, and it serves over 5,000,000 students in 18 states." She told the board the district's mental health team had reviewed Hazels' data and cited a Clemson University study showing reductions in depression and anxiety after online therapy sessions.
Dr. Emmanuel moved to approve the Hazel Health partnership; Henry Brewer seconded. Board members asked about cost and access. Dr. Herndon said there is no cost to the district for the service and that participation will require parental consent. She said implementation planning will identify where confidential space and connectivity will be provided at each school and that students will have access during the school day and after hours, including summers.
Dr. Emmanuel noted Hazel Health bills insurance or other responsible payers where available and said that billing should not be a surprise. A public commenter asked why the district had not contracted with more local vendors; district staff said the district maintains MOAs with about 20 local mental‑health agencies for collaboration and that Hazel Health was a statewide partner promoted through regional public‑health channels.
The motion to approve the Hazel Health partnership passed 9–1. Board members recorded a 9–1 tally with John Simmons recorded as the sole opposing vote.
The board's packet and implementation planning documents will guide next steps; district staff said parents or caregivers with connectivity issues should work with school staff to arrange alternative access at school sites during the rollout.
