Our nationally-ranked St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s commitment to the health and well-being of area children extends beyond the hospital setting. Studies show that one determinate of a healthy and successful life is educational attainment. To educate children, a healthy mind and a healthy body are essential. It is shown that children with unmet mental and/or physical health needs have a difficult time engaging in the educational process. In 2017, our Healthy Kids umbrella of services introduced Healthy Kids, Healthy Minds™ that places full-time school nurses and mental health professionals in St. Louis public schools. Through Healthy Kids, Healthy Minds students’ physical and psychological needs are addressed. Its nurses assess physical needs and the mental health care providers consult with staff and parents on the social, emotional and behavioral needs of students. The program helps the school system by increasing the district’s nursing staff and provides convenient health care support to students, families and faculty.

How Healthy Kids, Healthy Minds Works

Beginning with the 2017 - 2018 school year, Healthy Kids, Healthy Minds placed full-time nurses and behavioral health therapists in four Saint Louis Public Schools district locations — Pierre Laclede, Hodgen, Lexington and Woodward Elementary Schools. To reduce barriers to learning and increase graduation rates, services include: 

  • Identifying and providing case management of students' chronic health care needs (i.e. diabetes, asthma, life threatening food allergies, sickle cell disease)
  • Providing parents with referrals and health care resources 
  • Offering trauma-informed training for school staff members
  • Providing interventions for students with chronic behavior and emotional needs
  • Providing individual, group and family therapy

In addition to the Healthy Kids, Healthy Minds program, immunizations, dental care and health screenings are administered through St. Louis Children's Hospital’s Healthy Kids Express outreach services. Additional educational programs include teen outreach in middle schools and food allergy toolkits. 

To learn more about Healthy Kids, Healthy Minds, contact [email protected].