Supporting Our Kids: How ThriveKids Is Making a Difference in New Orleans Schools

As moms, we all want our children to thrive in every aspect of their lives, from health to education. But in a world where our kids face unprecedented challenges, particularly in communities like ours, ensuring they get the support they need can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s heartening to see initiatives like the ThriveKids Student Wellness Program making a real difference.

This partnership between Children’s Hospital New Orleans and NOLA Public Schools is bringing much-needed health services directly into schools, focusing on mental and physical well-being. As we navigate the complexities of raising our kids, it’s encouraging to know that programs like this are stepping in to help our children grow stronger and more resilient, one student at a time.

The ThriveKids Student Wellness Program, a partnership between Children’s Hospital New Orleans and NOLA Public Schools, is making significant strides in enhancing the mental and physical health of New Orleans youth. Entering its second year, this initiative aims to address the pressing health challenges faced by students, with a particular focus on mental health care and violence prevention.

Launched in the fall of 2023, the ThriveKids partnership has already demonstrated a profound impact. In its first year, the program provided on-site staff in 14 schools with the most significant needs and coordinated care across over 76 campuses. Through this effort, nearly 900 students received critical care coordination, and over 3,800 counseling sessions were conducted. The program also facilitated access to a wide range of health services, including psychiatry, ophthalmology, and dentistry, ensuring that students received comprehensive support.

Supported by $10 million in American Rescue Plan funds, the program addresses the unique challenges faced by New Orleans youth, who experience trauma at rates four times higher than the national average. The partnership’s holistic approach has been instrumental in removing barriers to care, such as providing transportation and language assistance for families.

Looking ahead, ThriveKids plans to expand its reach to 20 schools in the 2024-2025 academic year, increase the capacity of its psychiatric care team, and establish a Youth and Families Advisory Council. By continuing to bridge healthcare and education, the program is poised to make a lasting positive impact on the well-being and academic success of New Orleans students.

To learn more about this supportive initiative, be sure to check out www.chnola.org/ThriveKids