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The Children’s Trust recently announced a significant expansion of its HealthConnect in Our Schools initiative, marking a crucial investment in the physical and mental health and academic success of students across Miami-Dade County.
Beginning in July 2025, The Trust allocated $25,824,500 annually to provide comprehensive school-based health services through six healthcare service agencies, reaching 283 schools.
In the previous funding cycle for this initiative, The Trust invested $16 million annually for several years and increased to $20 million last fiscal year. This new expansion to nearly $26 million is a 29 percent increase from last year’s investment. The expansion will serve more than double the 141 schools that were previously supported over the past decade.
Additionally, through its partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH-MD) in Miami-Dade County, all M-DCPS schools and some charter schools are now receiving health services thanks to this increased investment and collaboration.
This expanded initiative aims to address the needs of students by increasing access to school-based health services through nursing, physical and mental health, in-person and telehealth, and mobile unit services. Research shows that a child’s health and wellness significantly impact learning, behavior, and overall quality of life.
“The Children’s Trust is committed to nurturing the well-being of every child in Miami-Dade County,” said James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “This significant expansion of our investment and collaboration in HealthConnect reflects our commitment to ensuring all students have access to the health services and education they need to thrive.
By investing in their health today, we are investing in a brighter future for our entire community.”
“Student health is undoubtedly linked to academic performance,” said Dr. Jose L. Dotres, superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. “This expanded partnership with The Children’s Trust and Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County ensures that medical and mental health support is available right on our campuses. By increasing access to care, we are empowering our students to stay in the classroom and reach their full potential.”
The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to fund strategic investments that improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County. For more information visit www.TheChildrensTrust.org.
Comprehensive tiered model of care and services
The Trust’s comprehensive school-based health model employs a three-tiered approach, offering various levels of staffing and health services tailored to the specific needs of students at different schools. The model integrates both telehealth and pediatric mobile unit services to enhance reach and effectiveness, supplementing onsite care, particularly in schools with limited resources. Both telehealth and mobile unit services are an expansion from the previous cycle of funded services.
For the first time since HealthConnect was established by The Trust in 2006, partner funders invested in the initiative. The Health Foundation of South Florida and United Way Miami each contributed $750,000 to fund the mobile unit services over five years which are primarily deployed to charter schools.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and health should never be a barrier to learning,” said Loreen Chant, president and CEO of the Health Foundation of South Florida.
“Through our partnership with The Children’s Trust, HealthConnect delivers essential health services where they matter most, helping students stay well, stay engaged, and build a healthier future.”
“Every child deserves to be healthy, supported and ready to learn,” said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami. “In Miami-Dade County, we know what’s possible when partners come together around our students. Through strong partnerships, United Way Miami is making an investment in HealthConnect and mobile health services – bringing critical physical and mental healthcare directly to students, advancing health equity and strengthening the future of our entire community.”
“Fourteen Academica-supported charter schools in Miami-Dade County began implementing the HealthConnect in Our Schools initiative this academic year. These schools greatly appreciate the wide range of services provided to their students by the contracted community health partners. We look forward to expanding this impactful initiative to more Academica-supported charter schools in the years ahead,” said Adriana Lima, Communications and Marketing.
“A healthy student is better positioned to learn, and the presence of a full-time registered nurse has strengthened the foundation of support we offer our students and families. Our collaboration with The Children’s Trust has allowed us to deliver expert, consistent care that truly meets the needs of our community,” said Monica Kress, managing director of operations, KIPP Miami.
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