The Logan-Hocking School District (LHSD), in collaboration with Hocking Valley Community Hospital (HVCH) and Hopewell Health Centers (Hopewell), are pleased to announce the construction of a school-based health clinic. Operated by HVCH in collaboration with Hopewell, the clinic will be housed on the Logan High School campus with an anticipated opening in spring 2023.
The project was made possible through a $500,000 Removing Barriers to Care Grant awarded by the Ohio Department of Health. The funds will be instrumental in constructing the annex on Logan High School's campus. HVCH and Hopewell will manage the staffing, equipment and supplies, including the electronic health records. Current floor plans feature three exam rooms, a waiting room and reception area, as well as office space and restrooms.
“The school-based health clinic will support our district's commitment to the well-being of our students, ensuring they are healthy and ready to learn by bringing them care where they already are,” said Monte Bainter, superintendent of Logan-Hocking Schools. “We're thrilled to work with our local hospital and Hopewell to improve care and support for students and families in our community.”
According to 2019 HVCH Emergency Department and Urgent Care visit data, 43% of pediatric or school-aged patients seen did not have a primary care provider in the county and another 15% did not have a primary care provider at all. The availability of an on-site clinic bridges the gap for students who may not have a primary care provider while also enabling educators to focus on academic instruction in the classroom setting. Students who do have a primary care provider and visit the clinic at school will be referred back to that provider for any related follow up care.
“When a child is sick, it can be challenging for a parent or guardian to miss work or other obligations and so they often rely on the emergency department and urgent care when they cannot get into their primary care provider,” said Stacey Gabriel, president and CEO of Hocking Valley Community Hospital. “Having a school-based health clinic gives the parent/guardian the option of sending the child to be seen, evaluated, and treated by a Certified Nurse Practitioner at the school site. The parent/guardian will provide consent for the visit and through technology, will have the opportunity to be present for the visit if they are not able to leave work.”
“Hopewell Health Centers is proud to continue offering mental health services to the Logan-Hocking School District community,” said Kristi Pennington, LISW-S, Hocking County Behavioral Health Clinic Director, Hopewell Health Centers. “We're pleased to partner with HVCH to also include physical health service offerings as we strive to help our community enjoy a healthy body, mind, and spirit.”
?The clinic will be staffed with a Certified Nurse Practitioner and Medical Assistant and open five days per week. In addition to in-person visits, the clinic will also provide telehealth for students who may be unable to obtain transportation for in-person evaluation. Services will include well-child visits, school-required vaccinations, sick visits, physicals, mental health services and more. The clinic will also provide mandated employee screenings and exams.
To learn more about the Logan-Hocking School District, visit www.loganhocking.k12.oh.us. More information about Hocking Valley Community Hospital is available at www.hvch.org. Visit www.hopewellhealth.org to learn more about Hopewell Health Centers.
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