Bay City Central High School is launching into the planning phase for a new student health center.
Students ages 5 to 21 will be able to receive a number of services while they are at school, including primary and preventive care, vision and hearing screenings, medication, immunizations, therapy and more.
Angelia Williams is the Senior Vice President for Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, which will run the new school-based center.
She said on a typical day, a child with a headache could visit the health center to be assessed by a nurse.
“Sometimes it may be that the child didn't eat,” Williams said. “Sometimes it could be bullying, sometimes it could just be the pressure of school in general.”
She said these moments are opportunities for licensed health workers to assess students, determine their needs and provide education about what specific problems are occurring.
“My hope is that people will become aware of how these programs successfully enhance the ability of our adolescents to become responsible young adults and learn how to navigate the healthcare system,” Williams said.
Williams said the impact of the health center could improve graduation rates, reduce absenteeism and decrease suspensions. She said they operate under the motto that “healthy kids make better learners”.
A state grant will fund operations of the health center, including staffing and equipment. Williams said they will need to fundraise separately for renovations.
The health center could begin offering services in six months, but Williams said the construction phase will be a longer process.
