Medically reviewed
K Health’s mission is to increase access to high quality healthcare so that everyone can get the medical help they need when they need it. As the world has navigated this unprecedented pandemic we’ve looked for opportunities to make an impact and support communities where increased access to healthcare could make a real difference.
We’re thrilled to partner with Baltimore City Public Schools, one of Maryland’s largest school districts, to provide free remote health services to 80,000 students, 10,000 staff, and their families in Baltimore. The program, which kicked off in March, gives students, teachers, and families unlimited access to K Health’s adult and pediatric primary care offerings, ensuring they have the opportunity to utilize vital virtual care.
In a family survey administered by the Baltimore City Public Schools in summer 2020, 74% of parents noted that their child’s physical health is of most importance to them. However complications due to COVID-19 have prevented many from seeking medical care. Additionally, children in Baltimore suffer from asthma prevalence more than twice the national average – 20% vs. 9.4% – and this is just one of a number of primary care conditions that typically drives school absenteeism.
Our goal is to remove any barriers to accessing healthcare for families in Baltimore by having reliable and accurate virtual care immediately available for K-12 students, their parents and caregivers, so that families can receive the medical attention they need, whether in school or at home.
“I’ve seen firsthand how lack of access to high quality and immediate healthcare has impacted our communities. The situation has only become more challenging with the onset of the pandemic,” said Dr. Chelsea Johnson, a lead pediatrician for K Health. “I joined K Health because I saw an opportunity to administer care in a new way and reach more people than ever. With this partnership in Baltimore, parents will be able to get important health information and care for their children for free and from their smartphone, something that’s needed now more than ever.”
As students and teachers in Baltimore return to in-person learning, having convenient and free access to quality doctors can also help ensure the health and safety of the community at large. “The health and safety of our students is our top priority and we’re always looking for ways to enhance our community.” said Dr. Sonja Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools. “We are thrilled to partner with K Health to bring respite to frustrated parents and allow a more cohesive flow to managing healthcare as we learn online and integrate back into the in-person learning.”
Families and staff in the Baltimore City Public Schools district can learn more about this partnership and how to access free care with K Health here.
