Overview
Hazel Health is a leading provider in the field of school-based telehealth services, headquartered in California. Founded in the Bay Area in 2015 by software engineer Nick Woods, previously with Apple and other startups, alongside Dr. Rob Darzynkiewicz, a pediatric emergency room doctor, their mission is to transform children's access to healthcare through innovative, evidence-based therapy and medical care services. Hazel Health collaborates with schools and families to offer these services virtually and partners with school districts and health plans nationwide.
Services and Approach
Hazel Health operates a comprehensive telehealth platform designed specifically for educational environments. This platform aims to minimize barriers such as transportation and costs, providing healthcare directly where the students are—at school or home. Their services facilitate quick connections to healthcare providers with a focus on both mental and physical health, including scheduled appointments with therapists. More than 50% of Hazel's providers identify as BIPOC, and over 40% are bilingual, collectively speaking 19 languages, ensuring culturally competent care.
By collaborating with school nurses, counselors, and staff, Hazel integrates mental and physical healthcare into students' daily educational routines. This holistic approach promotes well-being and engagement among students, contributing to an environment conducive to both health and learning.
Growth and Expansion
Hazel Health serves over 3,000 schools across 14 states, with recent expansions into Virginia and Hawaii. Their strategic growth is supported by a robust financial foundation and strategic partnerships. Notably, they secured Series C funding of $51.5 million in October 2022, featuring key investments from Bain Capital Ventures and UnitedHealth Group. This funding drives their aspirations to support the health needs of students across the nation.
Leadership
The leadership team consists of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds:
- Josh Golomb, Chief Executive Officer, helms the leadership team with significant executive expertise.
- Dr. Rob Darzynkiewicz, Co-Founder, serves as President of TSU and Senior Medical Advisor.
- Nick Woods, Co-Founder, acts as Chief Technologist.
- Jeannie Chen, Chief Clinical Operations Officer.
- Dr. Travis Gayles, Chief Health Officer.
Key Initiatives and Recent Developments
Hazel Health has initiated several programs to enhance the quality of care. Key initiatives include the mental health student ambassador program launched in February 2022 to incorporate student perspectives into their service model, and clinical initiatives such as strep and flu testing in selected districts.
In terms of impact, the publication of the first School Year Impact Report in December 2022 highlighted their effectiveness in reducing absenteeism and early dismissals. Furthermore, Hazel's teletherapy program gained recognition from Clemson University in April 2024 for its substantial outcomes in school mental health.
Strategic Position
Hazel Health is uniquely positioned as the largest and most trusted provider in school-based telehealth due to its specialized platform for educational settings. Their determination to eliminate healthcare barriers for students, combined with a strong leadership cohort and investor backing, ensures a competitive advantage within the healthcare and education sectors.
Financial Insights
Hazel Health's financial robustness is evidenced by the $116 million raised across various funding rounds involving 14 investors. These investments reflect high confidence in their extensive growth potential. The strategic backing, including an additional $1.5 million from UnitedHealthcare, underscores their capability to broaden school-based healthcare services.
Competitive Landscape
Hazel Health operates amid intense competition:
- Goodside Health: Offers in-school telehealth services and operates extensively in Texas, Florida, and New Mexico.
- Spring Health: Focuses on mental healthcare solutions, offering personalized wellness programs.
- Teladoc Health: A global telehealth leader providing diverse virtual care services.
- Uwill: Concentrates on teletherapy services for educational institutions, primarily colleges and universities in the U.S.
Notable Achievements and Future Directions
Hazel Health stands as a transformative force in school healthcare, providing insurance-covered services without financial burdens on families. Their school-centered model aspires to evolve by expanding service reach and advancing offerings, aiming to secure comprehensive health access for every child through strategic partnerships and dedicated mission fulfillment.
