Priority Health, an insurer in Michigan, has launched “Priority Pups,” a program in partnership with Canines for Change, aiming to place service dogs in schools. Muskegon Public Schools is the first to participate, with the introduction of Scout, a goldendoodle. The program addresses the rising concern of youth mental health, backed by research showing the positive effects of interaction with support animals. Priority Health plans to expand the program based on its early success in Muskegon, prioritizing students’ well-being and enhancing learning environments.
The escalating concern surrounding deteriorating mental health among young individuals has prompted Priority Health, an insurer rooted in Michigan, to take a unique approach to address the issue. In collaboration with Canines for Change, Priority Health is proud to introduce “Priority Pups,” an innovative program aimed at facilitating the deployment of five dedicated service dogs in schools throughout the state.
Priority Health, covering over 1 million individuals in Michigan, has chosen to take this compassionate step toward tackling the crisis. Muskegon Public Schools, leading the way, will be the first educational district to benefit from the program, with the introduction of Scout, a charming goldendoodle. Over the next few months, Priority Health will diligently work to place an additional four dogs in various school districts, with the potential to expand the program even further should it prove successful.
Praveen Thadani, President of Priority Health, shared in an interview with Fierce Healthcare that this program perfectly aligns with the insurer’s broader mission of addressing health equity and investing in the communities it serves. Recognizing the pivotal role that education plays in determining an individual’s well-being, Thadani emphasized that addressing youth mental health through schools is of paramount importance.
He stated, “We believe that we can significantly improve the mental health of Michigan students and enhance the learning environment for both students and teachers. Ultimately, this connects to the substantial social determinants of health, making individuals healthier as a result.”
In its official announcement, Priority Health pointed out that recent research indicates that over half of Michigan parents are apprehensive about the mental well-being of their children. The rise in mental health concerns among young people began before the pandemic but was exacerbated by the disruption to children’s routines caused by COVID-19.
However, Priority Health highlighted the positive effects of interaction with support animals during the school day. This includes increased confidence, enhanced reading and problem-solving skills, and reduced stress among students.
Thadani explained that Muskegon was chosen as the inaugural district for the program due to its high levels of mental health crises. Superintendent Matthew Cortez of Muskegon Public Schools expressed optimism, stating, “Scout, our newest team member, will contribute to a more relaxed and positive learning environment for our students. MPS will continue to build these positive community-based relationships that develop our 21st-century learning environments for our students and staff.”
Priority Health clarified that the dogs in the program will be placed under the care of in-district handlers, and Canines for Change will provide customized training to meet the unique needs of each school. For instance, in an elementary school, a service dog can provide comfort to homesick students or help alleviate stress among those struggling with coursework.
Thadani emphasized the insurer’s commitment to expanding the program should it yield positive results. Although it is early days in Muskegon, initial observations suggest the program is showing promise. Thadani commented, “Based on our very initial placement in Muskegon, we’re seeing some very early signs, of course anecdotal, of success.”
