Helping with a healthy start

Each year on April 7, World Health Day highlights a global health issue, and in 2025, the World Health Organization is focusing on prioritizing long-term health. Dallas ISD’s Health Services is sticking to the theme of “Healthy beginnings, Hopeful futures” by taking steps to ensure families within the district receive intentional care through immunization and health resources. 

Sylvia Torres, a registered nurse in the department, is working to improve students’ long-term health and plays a key role in the enrollment process for those who are new to the district.  

“Since many families are new to the country, I try to find economical, low-cost clinics. I am doing what I can to get them the services they need to help them in the long run,” Torres said. 

In partnership with Parkland Health, the district offers free vaccinations for children without insurance, as well as free tuberculosis testing through the Dallas County Health Department.  

The Parkland Health vaccination truck—which parks in the administration building lot—was launched during the 2022-2023 school year and vaccinated 195 students in two visits. The following year, the partnership expanded to the truck visiting twice a month, which led to vaccinating more than 600 students.  

“We have seen an increase in numbers. My hope is that we become a regular place for people to seek assistance and care,” Torres said. “I want them to know that the district is another option, because there can be language and transportation barriers for parents.” 

This school year, the department has successfully vaccinated more than 1,000 students and now provides services through its partnership with Parkland Health every Wednesday. 

Jennifer Finley, executive director of Health Services, is leading the district’s efforts in community support, focusing on maternal health, child abuse awareness, immunization, and other resources that address children’s overall wellbeing.  

One of the district’s newest partners is Vision to Learn, the nation’s largest school-based vision provider. This month, the Health Services Department will distribute glasses to students at J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard. 

“Whenever we get those types of services, we make sure that we try to distribute them equitably across the district and not just focus on one area, for instance. We always try to spread resources as geographically as we can,” Finley said.