Health Foundations and Centers to Partner with Local Schools

Gwen Rummell Reporting –

As part of the new Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, health foundations and centers will be partnering with various schools.

Over $64 million in funding will be awarded to the Appalachian Children Coalition to support the creation or expansion of community and school based health clinics.

The Aultman Foundation will be partnering with three schools, with one in Carroll County and two in Tuscarawas.

Brown Local School District will build a 3,000 square foot community wellness center that has a prioritization for students, but access will be allowed to the community. The establishment, allotted $2.6 million, will provide healthcare, mental health, addition and recovery services, and CARE Team services.

Also constructing a new location is the Claymont City School District. The almost $2 million in funding will go towards a 2,000 square foot school-based health center and deliver comprehensive primary care. In addition, The Village Network plans to open a secondary location inside the center to provide mental health support to students and community members.

The Tuscarawas Valley Local School District will be repurposing the old high school building to house a school-based health center, senior center, community event space and theater, and a fitness area. The clinic will offer primary and behavioral health care with the award totaling $2.28 million.

The Maysville Local School District and Zanesville City School District in Muskingum County will both partner with the Muskingum Valley Health Centers. With $283,500, unused classrooms at the Maysville Middle/High School will be converted into a health center. Zanesville City School District, using $1.3 million, will develop a clinic in walkable proximity to its middle school and offer services to the elementary schools as well.

The $64 million in funding through the initiative is part of the bigger Appalachian Community Grant Program, which is investing $500 million into the Appalachian region. Over $350 million remaining will be awarded in coming weeks.