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Surgeon Leads Innovative Health Program at Ball High School

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 21:53 GMT by galvnews.com

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Surgeon Helps Shape Unprecedented Health Program at Ball High School

A new partnership between a seasoned orthopedic surgeon and Ball High School in Houston’s West Lake district is setting a national example for school‑based health care. According to the Galveston County Daily News, Dr. Marceline K. Hayes—a 20‑year veteran of the U.S. Army Medical Corps and the surgeon behind the first civilian knee‑replacement unit in Houston—has joined forces with the school’s leadership to launch the “Healthy High School Initiative” (HHI). The initiative will be the first school‑wide program in Texas that integrates on‑site medical care, health education, and community‑based wellness services.

Why a Surgeon?

Dr. Hayes was motivated by a personal encounter with a student in 2018 who suffered a severe sports‑related injury. “We saw how quickly a professional medical team can change a child’s trajectory,” she told the Daily News. “I realized that we could bring that same level of care directly to the school, not just for injuries, but for preventive health.” In addition to her orthopedic background, Dr. Hayes holds a master's in public health from the University of Texas Health Science Center and has worked with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services on adolescent health initiatives.

The article highlights that her experience as a surgeon and as a public‑health advocate gave her the perspective needed to design a program that goes beyond treating illness. “Health is about prevention, about knowledge, and about empowerment,” she explained. “I want students to walk away knowing how to protect their own bodies.”

What the Program Entails

The HHI will be rolled out in two phases:

1. Medical‑Care Phase
   On‑site clinic – A permanent, full‑time clinic staffed by Dr. Hayes, a nurse practitioner, and a health‑tech specialist will offer routine physicals, urgent care for sports injuries, and chronic‑disease screening (e.g., BMI, blood pressure).
   School‑wide screenings – Annual vision, hearing, dental, and mental‑health assessments will be integrated into the school schedule.
   * Emergency response training – All staff will receive basic life‑support certification, and a first‑aid station will be set up in each wing of the school.

2. Education‑Phase
   Curriculum integration – Biology, PE, and health‑class teachers will adopt the “Healthy High School” modules that cover nutrition, ergonomics, and mental‑health coping strategies.
   Student health clubs – The program will sponsor clubs that host peer‑led health challenges, like “10,000 steps a day,” and workshops on sleep hygiene.
   * Community outreach – Students will partner with local hospitals and NGOs for volunteer opportunities, allowing them to learn how to help their peers stay healthy.

The article notes that the program will be “data‑driven.” Every month, the clinic will generate reports on student health metrics, enabling the school to adjust curricula or outreach efforts accordingly.

Funding and Partnerships

The Daily News reports that the HHI is a collaboration among three key stakeholders:

The Health First Foundation, which has previously funded school‑based asthma programs in the Houston area, has pledged $150,000 for the first year. In addition, the Houston Department of Public Health will provide free health‑tech support and training for school staff.

The article references a related press release from the foundation (link: healthfirstfoundation.org/ballhigh), which details the foundation’s history and its mission to “extend top‑tier medical care to underserved populations.”

Impact on Students and Staff

Interviews quoted in the article illustrate the program’s anticipated benefits. A senior student, Maya Lopez, shared that she plans to major in physical therapy and is excited to “learn from a surgeon while still in high school.” A guidance counselor, Mr. Thomas Kim, mentioned that the on‑site clinic will reduce absenteeism caused by untreated injuries and illnesses.

Dr. Hayes emphasizes that the program’s greatest strength lies in its ability to shift a cultural perspective: “When a student sees a doctor inside their school, they learn that health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.” The article cites a study from the Journal of School Health that found a 25 % decrease in absenteeism in schools that implemented similar programs.

Future Directions

The Daily News also discusses potential expansion plans. Dr. Hayes hopes that the Ball High model can be replicated in other schools across Texas. “We’re building a framework that can be scaled, so other districts can implement their own clinics with minimal disruption,” she said. In a sidebar, the article links to a Texas Education Agency page that outlines the eligibility criteria for school health‑program grants (link: tea.texas.gov/healthprograms).

Additionally, the program will pilot a tele‑health component for students who live far from the school. The tele‑health module will allow students to have virtual follow‑ups with Dr. Hayes and other specialists, bridging the gap between school and home.

Key Takeaways

• A surgeon’s vision: Dr. Marceline K. Hayes is spearheading a program that brings professional medical care to a high‑school setting.
• Integrated approach: The HHI combines on‑site clinics, curriculum changes, and community outreach to address physical, mental, and preventive health.
• Collaborative funding: The partnership between Ball High School, Dr. Hayes & Associates, and the Health First Foundation ensures a sustainable financial model.
• Positive student impact: Early testimonies suggest that the program will improve health literacy, reduce absenteeism, and inspire future health‑care professionals.
• Scalable model: The initiative serves as a prototype that other districts might emulate, potentially influencing state‑wide policy on school health services.

The article concludes with a forward‑looking quote from Dr. Hayes: “We’re not just treating injuries. We’re building a healthier generation, one classroom at a time.”