The halls of Kansas City University (KCU) campuses in Joplin and Kansas City echoed with laughter, curiosity and excitement as hundreds of elementary students arrived for Wellness Day, marking the official launch of Score 1 for Health for the 2026-27 academic year. The kickoff events offered KCU medical students their first patient encounter outside of simulation labs.
In total, more than 400 students from Dover Hill Elementary in Joplin and Kansas City’s Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School received free health assessments under the supervision of faculty. For the children, the experience helped them see health care professionals in white coats not as something to fear, but as people who are there to help them stay healthy and thrive.
Throughout the screenings, student doctors balanced the essentials of performing physical exams while building meaningful connections with their young patients. Some found themselves talking about favorite sports teams and foods, while others let them listen to the sound of their heartbeats through a stethoscope.
“We’ve been practicing building on these skills since year one. It’s such a privilege to put together what we’ve been learning in labs and give back to the community at the same time,” said second-year medical student Elsa Runquist.
KCU students, staff and faculty will continue their outreach throughout the year, visiting 40 neighboring elementary schools to screen thousands more children. Following each screening, parents receive a personalized letter detailing their child’s assessment results. Score 1 nurses and staff return to schools for follow-up screenings as needed, ensuring potential health concerns are addressed early.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and reach their full potential,” said Melissa McAtee, director of operations for the KCU Center for Population Health and Equity. “Through Score 1, we’re bringing preventive care directly to children, identifying concerns early and connecting families with the resources they need. These positive experiences with health care can last a lifetime and contribute to healthier communities for years to come.”
More than 30 years after its founding, Score 1 continues to make a profound impact by improving access to preventive care and fostering long-term community wellness. Each screening represents an opportunity to identify a health concern before it becomes a barrier, helping children stay healthy, engaged and ready to learn.
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