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Published on August 19, 2026

Cone Health Team Recognized for Expanding School-based Telehealth

The collaborative received an honorable mention award at the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center's annual conference.

Fast facts

  • Team receives honorable mention award at Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center Summit
  • 1096 schools provide telehealth across N.C. and S.C.

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The Collaborative for the Advancement of School Telehealth (CAST), led by Cone Health team members and supported by The Duke Endowment, received a 2026 honorable mention in the Breaking Barriers Through Telehealth Award program at the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center Summit. CAST was one of four organizations recognized among 23 nominations from across the region. 

Donna Blizzard with award

CAST Special Projects Coordinator Donna Blizzard accepts award

The Breaking Barriers Through Telehealth Award recognizes programs that use telehealth to make it easier for rural and underserved communities to receive high-quality, virtual health care. The program must also foster collaboration and create models others can replicate. CAST received the award for its work in bringing telehealth to schools across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

"School-based telehealth helps students tackle earaches, sore throats and other minor ailments without leaving school. This keeps children in school, reducing absences and improving academic performance,” said Dr. John Jenkins of Cone Health, who chairs CAST. "This recognition also reflects the commitment of our member organizations to learn from one another and improve the health and well-being of children throughout the mid-Atlantic region."

Founded in 2022, CAST has grown from a small group of innovators sharing ideas into a regional network of health systems, universities, schools, behavioral health programs and other partners across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The collaborative helps members share best practices, strengthen school-based telehealth programs and expand access to physical and behavioral health services for students. The four founding organizations were Cone Health, Atrium Health, The Center for Rural Health Innovation and the Medical University of South Carolina.

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