Medical and dental students at KCU stepped out of the classroom and into hands-on learning, welcoming hundreds of elementary school students to campus for free health screenings marking the official launch of Score 1 for Health for the 2024-25 academic year.
More than 130 students from Cecil Floyd, Jefferson and Royal Heights elementary schools in Joplin, as well as 380 students from Kansas City’s Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School, received comprehensive health assessments under the supervision of faculty.
KCU student doctors skillfully balanced the essentials of performing physical exams while connecting with children eager to chat and play. Some found themselves immersed in lively conversations about family pets or favorite pizza toppings, while others handed stethoscopes to curious children so they could listen to their own heartbeats.
“I’m a Mexican-American and just happened to have a Mexican-American third grade student and we talked in Spanish,” said medical student Manuel Tarango III. “We talked about where our families are from, our favorite food and I got to do the physical exam mostly in Spanish. It was awesome!”
“These are our first patients so it’s special and meaningful. I feel like the kids have such a great attitude and they are honest and it makes for a great learning experience,” added medical student Heather Mwitanti.
KCU students, staff and faculty will continue their outreach by visiting local elementary schools in Kansas City and Joplin to screen more children. After each screening, parents receive a personalized letter detailing their child's assessment results. Score 1 nurses and staff will return to the schools for follow-up checks as needed for children whose results fall outside the normal range, ensuring that no potential health concerns are overlooked. Community health workers on staff help families access treatment when further care is needed.
“We recognize the impact of social determinants on a child's well-being. By providing access to preventive care, we are addressing some of the most fundamental barriers to health, particularly for underserved communities,” said Annette Campbell, MPA, RN, director of Score 1 for Health. “Healthy families are the foundation of healthy communities, and we want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of background or circumstances.”
Annually, KCU’s Score 1 for Health provides free, in-school health screenings for more than 11,000 elementary-age children in Kansas City and Joplin. Many of those served include families from under-resourced neighborhoods. At the same time, medical and dental students gain valuable experience in pediatric health assessment and children learn that visits to the doctor can be fun.
Through the work of Score 1 for Health KCU fulfills its mission of improving the well-being of the communities we serve. By providing critical health screenings and preventive care to children in need, KCU not only addresses immediate health care concerns but also fosters long-term community health. These efforts ultimately build healthier families, stronger communities and a brighter future for all.
