Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation School Health Initiative

In July 2000 the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation partnered with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to develop and implement a comprehensive school-based health program within the North Miami Beach academic feeder pattern of the Miami-Dade County Public School system.  This initiative is designed to provide students with on-site access to comprehensive primary care, nursing, and mental health services, including prevention/wellness education, from elementary through high school.

The fundamental goal of the School Health Initiative is to improve the overall health/wellness of Miami-Dade school children – keeping them healthy, in school, and ready to learn.  We believe good health contributes to academic achievement and lifelong success.  The initiative serves all children, regardless of their ability to pay.  Participating schools are: Fulford Elementary, Greynolds Park Elementary, G.K. Edelman/Sabal Palm Elementary, John F. Kennedy Middle School, and North Miami Beach Senior High  

By focusing on the whole child through risk assessment, prevention, wellness, and early diagnosis and treatment, the project’s multidisciplinary teams and collaboration with Switchboard, Inc. have created a signature health program that is considered a model for Miami-Dade County.  The project now continues with support from additional funding partners that include the Batchelor Foundation and The Children’s Trust.