PHP: Adapting Services to a New Reality

With only two operational distance learning (DL) studios at the time, Nicole knew McMillen could not meet the increasing demand for E-Learning and DL programs, so it was evident they would have to add more studio space to meet requests for this programming format. Through the generosity of donors, McMillen was able to add four mobile green-screen studios to their existing teaching theaters. Simply put, a “green screen” lets a video editor add background images behind actors, or in this case, health educators. Green screens are used in film production and also in news and weather reports to place a desired background behind the subject. McMillen Health uses green screens which allow students to view the educator and the presentation at the same time, on screen. McMillen Health has been providing DL since 2012, but not on the scale necessary to meet the growing national demands during the pandemic.

McMillen Health also quickly renovated a former inventory room into a multipurpose room. This allowed the room to be used for programming, a DL studio, and lunch overflow once students returned to the facility. With the additional mobile green-screen rooms, McMillen educators served 37,594 children and adults through live DL in 2020-2021, a 697 percent increase from 2019-2020 fiscal year.