Licking Heights, Licking Memorial Health Systems partner for student health center
It takes a community to build a healthy, strong, productive student body — which is why Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) is partnering with Licking Heights Local Schools to provide greater health care access to students through a secure student and staff Health Center at Licking Heights inside the high school.
"School-based health clinics are an effective strategy to ensure students are in school, healthy, and ready to learn," said Mitch Tom, Director of Pupil Services at Licking Heights Local Schools. "Our goal with the Licking Memorial Health Center at Licking Heights is to increase access to primary care and behavioral health, which improve health equity for vulnerable populations in our community."
The Licking Memorial Health Center at Licking Heights is expected to open for the 2023-2024 school year. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday all year long. It is located in what was a void storage area in the high school which has been renovated to serve as the new clinic. Construction and operation will not impact existing or future classroom space.
With parent or guardian permission, all students from preschool to 12th grade can receive a range of standard preventative care and treatment for common illnesses. Behavioral Health Partners of Central Ohio will also offer mental health services in the center.
The Health Center, which will be managed and operated entirely through Licking Memorial Health Systems, will accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Services at the Health Center are also available to all Licking Heights staff members, reducing the amount of time staff must take off work or wait for a doctor’s appointment.
There is no cost to the district as Licking Memorial Health Systems is generously financing construction of the project and will provide all necessary staff. The center will not replace in-school clinics and nurses’ offices, but will work alongside existing clinics to provide both general and behavioral health care that students need.
"Our mission is to improve the health of the community, and offering easy access to quality healthcare is vital for accomplishing that goal," said LMHS President and CEO Rob Montagnese. "The providers in the Licking Memorial Health Center at Licking Heights can assist in promoting and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and provide needed care in a convenient location for students and staff."
Safety and security are top priorities of the Health Center team. The Health Center will include secure, locked entrances that require visitors to be admitted by front desk staff.
Student health centers are a rising trend in school districts across the country due to correlations between student health and wellbeing and academic performance and attendance. Health centers also benefit working families, as parents and guardians do not need to miss work to take their students for treatment.
At Licking Heights in particular, there will be a variety of health and academic benefits to the center. This includes lower rates of absenteeism, improved student access to care and insurance coverage, improved physical and mental health outcomes for students, and improved classroom management for teachers.
The district will hold an Open House event for students, families, staff and community partners on Monday, Aug. 14 from 5-7 p.m. at Licking Heights High School, 4101 Summit Road SW, Pataskala, OH 43062. Guests may tour the Licking Memorial Health Center at Licking Heights and learn about services provided for students and staff. Refreshments will be provided.
Information submitted by Licking Heights Local Schools.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking Heights, Licking Memorial partner for student health center
