According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 6 children aged 3 to 17 years have at least one developmental or behavioral disability.1 Research shows that early intervention services following screening tests can significantly improve a child’s development. Committed to enhancing children’s health in Texas, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas has invested $1 million in Goodside Health’s screening programs.
Goodside Health is a school-based provider dedicated to closing health care gaps for children through services offered within school systems, clinics and via telemedicine. Serving over 1,100,000 students across more than 125 school systems, Goodside Health is a leader in providing accessible health care to children.
UnitedHealthcare’s investment will enable Goodside Health to conduct Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) wellness events in 200 schools throughout Texas. These events will offer integrated physical and behavioral health visits, screenings for non-medical drivers of health and referrals for additional care as needed. The primary aim is to identify and treat childhood health conditions before they become serious or disabling. After each visit, providers will assist students with next steps, ensuring their physical, behavioral and social needs are addressed. All students, regardless of health insurance status, can participate in these wellness events.
Wellness events are being conducted through 2025 at schools in Tarrant, Harris, Hidalgo, Travis, Kaufman, Willacy, Collin, Dallas and Bexar counties. Brian White, CEO of Goodside Health, stated, “Undiagnosed or untreated health conditions typically have adverse impacts on school attendance, classroom behavior and overall academic performance. We are grateful for this collaboration, which will allow us to bring integrated care to children and promote their long-term success in life.”
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas remains steadfast in its commitment to improving child health outcomes in the state. By investing in student health screenings, the plan aims to improve early identification of existing conditions, allowing for timely and effective treatment before symptoms become debilitating. For more information on how UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas is supporting the needs of local children, visit the plan’s website.
