Sentara Health Plans announces liaison program for Tidewater Region public schools
Initiative reflects Sentara’s commitment to fostering the overall health of students and their families
Sentara Health Plans is partnering with the Tidewater Region’s public schools to introduce a pioneering program designed to address the social determinants of health affecting students.
This initiative reflects the Health Plans’ commitment to fostering the overall health and well-being of students and their families by connecting them with vital community resources.
Launched this summer, the pilot program assigns a dedicated liaison to public schools in the Virginia Department of Education’s Tidewater Region, working closely with school counselors, teachers, and administrators to create a tailored approach that meets the unique needs of each school and region. The liaison serves as a bridge, connecting students, parents, and school staff to educational and wellness support resources.
This collaboration will enable a deeper understanding of the specific challenges facing each school community and help identify solutions that can be supported by Sentara Health Plans.
“Sentara Health Plans is excited to be working with the Tidewater Region’s public schools to bring these important healthcare services and resources to their students,” said Randy Ricker, Medicaid plan president and vice president of Sentara Health Plans. “Our mission is to improve health every day, and this is a momentous opportunity for us to equip our school communities with the needed behavioral health tools to support their students.”
In addition to one-on-one support, liaisons organize frequent wellness events aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the various resources available through Sentara Health Plans and the broader care delivery system. These events focus on addressing both physical and mental health needs, ensuring that every student has access to the services necessary for success.
The program also aligns with Virginia's statewide initiatives to combat the opioid crisis, including the "One Pill Can Kill" campaign and the "Right Help Right Now" initiative, which provide critical support for individuals in crisis. Furthermore, the liaison will link families and educators to crisis management services and offer access to Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment benefit training and education.
“Through this partnership, Sentara Health Plans aims to create a strong support network for students, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally,” added Ricker.
This initiative reflects the Health Plans’ commitment to fostering the overall health and well-being of students and their families by connecting them with vital community resources.
Launched this summer, the pilot program assigns a dedicated liaison to public schools in the Virginia Department of Education’s Tidewater Region, working closely with school counselors, teachers, and administrators to create a tailored approach that meets the unique needs of each school and region. The liaison serves as a bridge, connecting students, parents, and school staff to educational and wellness support resources.
This collaboration will enable a deeper understanding of the specific challenges facing each school community and help identify solutions that can be supported by Sentara Health Plans.
“Sentara Health Plans is excited to be working with the Tidewater Region’s public schools to bring these important healthcare services and resources to their students,” said Randy Ricker, Medicaid plan president and vice president of Sentara Health Plans. “Our mission is to improve health every day, and this is a momentous opportunity for us to equip our school communities with the needed behavioral health tools to support their students.”
In addition to one-on-one support, liaisons organize frequent wellness events aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the various resources available through Sentara Health Plans and the broader care delivery system. These events focus on addressing both physical and mental health needs, ensuring that every student has access to the services necessary for success.
The program also aligns with Virginia's statewide initiatives to combat the opioid crisis, including the "One Pill Can Kill" campaign and the "Right Help Right Now" initiative, which provide critical support for individuals in crisis. Furthermore, the liaison will link families and educators to crisis management services and offer access to Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment benefit training and education.
“Through this partnership, Sentara Health Plans aims to create a strong support network for students, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally,” added Ricker.