Work of Healthy Learners highlighted in Index-Journal article

Monday, April 21, 2025

Tags: Healthy Learners , Outreach

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The Index-Journal in Greenwood, South Carolina, recently highlighted the work of Healthy Learners as it serves students from K4 through 12th grade across the state, collaborating with school nurses, health care providers and families to assist children who lack adequate access to health care.

The full text of the article is below or available here.

Removing barriers and changing lives: the work of Healthy Learners

By Mya Atten
Index-Journal

Every child, regardless of age or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to learn and the support needed to succeed.

However, access to health care remains a significant barrier that often prevents students from reaching their full potential in the classroom.

That’s where Healthy Learners, a nonprofit organization, steps in.

Dedicated to removing health care barriers, the organization ensures that children get essential medical care so they can focus on learning and growing.

Serving students from K4 through 12th grade across South Carolina, Healthy Learners collaborates with school nurses, health care providers and families to assist children who lack adequate access to health care.

“We could not do the work we do without the support from doctors and dentists and eye doctors in the community and we’re so incredibly thankful for them and their support,” said Aimee Clark, community manager for Healthy Learners Upstate.

In Greenwood, where public transportation is lacking, many families struggle to access medical care.

Some lack reliable transportation, while others cannot take time off work to bring their child to an appointment.

Healthy Learners helps bridge that gap, ensuring students receive the medical attention they need without adding stress to their families.

To accomplish this, Healthy Learners provides vision, hearing and dental screenings at schools and, with parental consent, takes children to medical appointments.

Additionally, if a child requires medication, the organization ensures prescriptions are refilled and delivered to the school so they never miss a dose.

“We run that whole continuum of care to make sure they have everything they need to succeed in the classroom,” Clark said.

Even when school is out, Healthy Learners continues to provide medical support year-round, ensuring students receive consistent care.

Some students even require multiple services throughout the year.

Healthy Learners began serving students in Greenwood School District 50 in 2005 and later expanded to include District 51 in 2014 and District 52 in 2016.

In fall 2021, the organization extended its service to Laurens County School District 55.

To fund its services, Healthy Learners receives donations from partners such as Self Regional and the Self Family Foundation.

Additionally, Healthy Learners hosts an adult spelling bee each September to raise funds and awareness.

For Alice Balentine, student service coordinator for Healthy Learners Upstate, the work has been deeply fulfilling.

She has been involved since the Greenwood site first launched 20 years ago and remains passionate about the organization’s impact.

“While there are challenges, it’s been the best job I could have ever dreamed of,” Balentine said. “The joys far outweigh those challenges. Helping children reach their full potential is one of the most rewarding opportunities one can have.”

Clark echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that Healthy Learners doesn’t just provide health care — it helps students become stronger learners and, ultimately, “engaged and responsible members of their communities.”

Lora McCabe, a school nurse at Eleanor S. Rice Elementary School, has seen firsthand the difference Healthy Learners makes.

“There are so many things I love about Healthy Learners,” McCabe said. “The ladies are fantastic. They’re always responsive to the needs of the students.”

She added that students not only benefit from the services, but also look forward to the visits, often asking when the team will return.

In 2024 alone, Healthy Learners served about 400 students in District 50, many of whom required multiple services.

In recognition of its commitment to supporting students and public education, Healthy Learners received the Champion for Public Education Award from the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA).

This award is presented annually to community organizations that make a significant impact on public education and local school districts.

Tripp Bouknight, SCSBA Region 11 director, praised Healthy Learners for its work, saying that its efforts “do not go unnoticed.”

He commended the organization for inspiring children not only to attend school, but also to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

He also expressed his gratitude for the organization’s dedication, calling Healthy Learners a “true champion for public education” and “a leader in providing health care for children in poverty by bridging the gap between health care and education.”

Healthy Learners is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System.