Q&A with Dr. Kate Hughey, MD: Deepening Adolescent Healthcare through RAHS

Dr. Kate Hughey, MD, a family physician with the Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools (RAHS), discusses her approach to school-based healthcare, emphasizing the integration of mental health services and community medicine. Here are further insights into her role and the impact of RAHS.

Q: What initially drew you to RAHS, and how has your role evolved since joining?

I’ve always been passionate about community health—understanding how we can leverage our communal spaces and community connections to enhance health outcomes. School-Based Health Centers, like RAHS, epitomize this by bringing healthcare directly to where children and adolescents spend the majority of their day. Over the nearly ten years that I have been with RAHS, my focus has shifted towards mental health awareness and integration into the school community, which is vital for our students’ development and well-being. This evolution, for me, has reinforced that accessible health care for youth and families is critical for healthy communities.

Q: Can you highlight some unique challenges or opportunities you’ve encountered while providing healthcare to students within the school setting?

The school setting naturally fosters more accessible and consistent healthcare delivery, which is its greatest advantage. The opportunity to work hand-in-hand with teachers, school social workers, and school staff creates a unique support network that helps address not only physical but also emotional and social health challenges facing youth and families. This collaboration between the schools and the RAHS health centers, enables RAHS care providers to implement preventive measures effectively and respond to health issues in real-time, enhancing student success both academically and personally.

Q: How do you integrate mental health support into your medical practice within the school environment?

Integrating mental health into our daily practice is crucial. We facilitate immediate access to mental health professionals, which is often less stigmatizing for children and adolescents than seeking help outside the school. By being onsite alongside social workers, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and medical doctors, we create a multidisciplinary team that addresses each individuals’ needs holistically. Our approach includes proactive physical and mental health screenings, crisis intervention, ongoing therapy, connection to community resources to meet tangible needs, and building life skills that contribute to long-term resilience.

Q: Can you share a success story from your time at RAHS that exemplifies the positive impact of your work?

One particular success story that stands out involved a student who faced multiple health and social challenges. Through consistent care and a supportive network involving RAHS staff, teachers, social workers, school personnel, the student’s family, and the student’s PCP, we saw a huge transformation in this student’s health and academic performance. These collaborative efforts provided the stability and support needed, demonstrating the profound impact of our integrated health services on each individual patient.

Q: What are some significant barriers to healthcare access for students, and how does RAHS work to overcome these?

Beyond logistical barriers like scheduling and transportation, cultural and socio-economic factors also play significant roles in healthcare access. At RAHS, we strive to create culturally-aware services that respect and address diverse backgrounds. Our approach includes outreach to parents and community members to build trust and understanding, partnership with community organizations, and ensuring our services are inclusive and accessible to all students.

Q: What are the most critical health or health education priorities for today’s youth, and how does RAHS address these?

Beyond mental health, nutritional education, physical activity, and preventive health measures rank high on our list of priorities. RAHS promotes these through comprehensive educational programs that engage youth in learning about healthy lifestyles from an early age. Our services extend beyond the individual to address broader social determinants of health, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Dr. Hughey’s commitment to RAHS and her innovative approach to school-based healthcare demonstrate the power of community medicine in transforming the lives of young people. Through collaboration and dedicated care, RAHS continues to make a significant difference in the health and well-being of students.