Change for Good 2026
The Power of Public Schools: The Hidden Healthcare System Behind Student Success
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
12 p.m. Central / 1 p.m. Eastern / 10 a.m. Pacific
As public schools and healthcare face unprecedented funding cuts and our students continue to navigate greater mental health challenges, the role of schools in supporting student health has never been more critical.
From connecting students with quality school health providers, direct services and preventive screening programs, to providing assistive equipment and technology for students with disabilities, schools are vital access points for the essential health services that students need to be successful both in and out of the classroom.
This webinar will highlight the powerful, often unseen, work happening in schools to address student health and well-being, and address what’s at risk and how we can protect this vital system of care.
Join HSC on Thursday, Oct. 8 to hear from health and education leaders from across the country – including keynote speaker, Dr. Mike Underwood with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – about the integral system of mental, behavioral and physical healthcare schools provide and why a strong school health infrastructure is critical to supporting the lifelong health of students.
Featured Speakers and Panelists:
- Dr. Mike Underwood, Acting Director of the Division of Adolescent and School Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Ayaan Moledina, Federal Policy Director, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT)
- Ariel Taylor Smith, Senior Director of Policy and Action, National Parents Union
- Randy Queen, Lead School Psychologist, Roanoke County Public Schools
- Gloria E. Barrera, School Nurse Expert & Advocate, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
- Jessie Mandle, National Program Director, Healthy Schools Campaign
- Alison Paxson, Policy and Program Manager, Healthy Schools Campaign
- Jennifer Tani, President + CEO, Healthy Schools Campaign
This webinar will cover:
- The power of public schools in connecting students to healthcare and other essential supports
- Why strengthening access to health services in school is key to promoting learning and educational equity for all students
- How to get involved and be a change for good to protect and support student health
Many thanks to our generous Change for Good sponsors and the individual Changemakers who support this important work!
Healthy Schools Campaign’s 2026 Change for Good series will feature three dynamic virtual events that demonstrate the power of public schools and showcase how effective advocacy and partnerships lead to positive change that supports students, schools and families. Learn more.
*Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages