“The health center’s success depends upon the community trusting us to provide care to their children and families, but also believing in the mission of what we have set out to do. When our students are healthy, they are more likely to be in school and become successful. This health center is a win-win for everyone.”
Since opening, the majority of appointments have been mental health visits and well checks, which is preventative care or similar to a yearly checkup. Biles said she’s not surprised about the amount of visits.
“With the size and needs of our district, coupled with the support and resources that The Rocking Horse Center brings to the table, I had no doubt The Health Center at Springfield High would take off in the way it has thus far,” she said.
Other services provided include same day sick visits for students, chronic care management, well child visits, women’s health and wellness, vaccinations, mental health services, patient advocacy and sports physicals.
“Rocking Horse is happy with the pace. We were hopeful this would be the case and are pleased with the outcome,” said Amanda Ambrosio, Rocking Horse Executive Director of the School Based Health Center. “We knew the need existed in the community, and we are grateful the community has embraced the center and is utilizing the services.”
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
The district opened the health center, with Rocking Horse Community Health Center, to support the health needs of students, parents and the community. The idea started from community feedback about access to care that was given during the design of the district’s most recent Strategic Plan.
The school was awarded $1 million by the state of Ohio through the Mental Health Recovery Board of Clark, Greene & Madison counties, and previously received a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant from the city to fund the design services phase of the project. Rocking Horse also received a $350,000 grant to help open the center.
The health center has four exam rooms and three additional rooms for mental health treatment to provide primary care, vaccinations, health screenings and individual and group mental health counseling.
Biles and Ambrosio said they will continue to “refine the patient experience” and anticipate upcoming phases, including adding vision services and a room to be used as part of the STNA certification course for high school students beginning next year.
All 7,700 Springfield students in the district’s 17 buildings from preschool to 12 grades can use the clinic with parental consent. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, the health center will accept all patients regardless of their ability to pay.
To make an appointment at the Health Center or for more information, call 937-717-2578 or visit www.scsdoh.org/page/school-based-health-center.
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