Pictured from left to right: Karl Hamner, PhD; Faron Hollinger, PhD; Peter Hlebowitsh, PhD; Yolima Moncada, DNP; Melanie Ginn; David Casey; Antonio Tijerino; and Jami Leveen at University of Alabama’s Carmichael Hall.

Just six months after the opening of the SMART Student Health and Wellness Centers in Pickens County, Alabama, chronic absenteeism at one school dropped 55 percent.

So the national SMART Advisory Council leaders, along with sponsors Aramark and CVS Health, visited the centers to learn more about the success. SMART stands for School Health Model For Academics Reaching All, Transforming Lives. It is designed to prevent, screen, and manage any health risks, thus reducing barriers to academic success.

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