Episode 21: Healthy Kids, Present Kids: Reimagining School Health (w/Dr. Adrianna Bravo)

Chronic absenteeism nearly doubled after the pandemic — and health is one of the most overlooked drivers behind it.

In this episode of the RocketPD Podcast, host Corey Murray sits down with Dr. Adrianna Bravo, pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer at Inspire Health for Education, to unpack how physical and mental health challenges are quietly keeping students out of class — and how school-based telehealth is helping districts turn that around.

Drawing on real-world district partnerships, including a pilot in Los Angeles Unified School District where return-to-class rates increased from 61% to 90%, Dr. Bravo explains how centering care inside schools can reduce missed instructional time, support school nurses and counselors, and improve equity in access to care.

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In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why health is a hidden root cause of chronic absenteeism
• How telehealth supports (not replaces) school health staff
• What equitable access to care looks like inside real schools
• How districts can address mental health needs with consistent, relationship-based support
• Why keeping students healthy is directly tied to academic success

If you’re a superintendent, principal, district leader, or school health professional grappling with attendance, student wellbeing, or mental health capacity, this conversation offers a practical, partnership-driven path forward.

👉 Learn more about Inspire Health for Education and school-based telehealth solutions (https://inspirehealthforeducation.com)

👉 Explore how RocketPD partners with districts to support whole-child success (www.rocketpd.com)