Healthcare leader Lena Esmail is calling for expanded access to school-based health clinics as student absenteeism and health disparities continue to rise nationwide. Esmail, a nurse practitioner and CEO of QuickMed, argues these clinics are essential for improving attendance, closing health gaps, and supporting students who might otherwise lack access to care.
According to the CDC, over 7 million students miss more than 15 days of school each year, a rate defining chronic absenteeism, with much of this attributed to preventable or treatable health issues. Simultaneously, one in five U.S. children experiences a mental health disorder annually, with most never receiving care. School-based clinics provide direct access to both physical and mental health services without requiring families to take time off work or navigate complex systems.
"When we opened our first school clinic, students were missing class for untreated asthma and infections," Esmail said. "Within a few months, we saw kids staying in school, getting care earlier, and teachers telling us the difference was noticeable." QuickMed currently operates clinics in schools across multiple Ohio cities including Liberty, Akron, Ravenna, and Austintown, using nurse practitioners as frontline providers offering on-site care during school hours.
A recent internal report from one district showed a 30% drop in preventable absences after QuickMed began operating a part-time clinic on campus. Despite clear benefits, Esmail identifies major barriers to scaling this solution: funding limitations, provider shortages, restrictive state policies on nurse practitioner authority, and lack of awareness among parents and school boards.
Esmail recommends specific actions for various stakeholders. Parents should inquire about existing on-site or partner clinics and request them if unavailable. Teachers and staff can discuss the impact of student health on learning outcomes. Local leaders might use funds from sources like ARPA or ESSER to pilot school-based care. Healthcare providers should explore district partnerships for mobile or part-time services, while policymakers should support full-practice authority for nurse practitioners to expand access in care deserts.
"You don't have to build a big clinic to make a difference," Esmail noted. "Start with a room. Start with a nurse. That alone changes lives." She emphasizes that school-based clinics represent a proven strategy for keeping students healthy and in class, with communities able to initiate change without waiting for major policy shifts. "We've seen the model work," Esmail added. "Now it's time to scale it."
