Springfield, OH -- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn on Aug  12th, took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of a comprehensive school-based health center on the campus of Springfield High School.

The Health Center at Springfield High, which opens just in time for the start of the 2024-2025 school year, will provide a range of services – including both primary care and mental health services – to support the needs of all 7,700 students in the Springfield City School District, as well as their parents and other members of the Springfield community.

“School-based health clinics have been proven to positively impact not only students’ health, but also their academic performance,” said Governor DeWine, who, in his most recent State of the State address, urged school districts across the state to add more school-based health clinics in their communities. “The new Health Center at Springfield High will help ensure students are physically, mentally, and emotionally at their best so they can thrive in the classroom and reach their full potential.”

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Springfield City School District was awarded $1 million in capital funding from OhioMHAS to help complete the project – which included transforming several former classrooms into clinic space.

“Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, Ohio has made tremendous strides toward giving young people greater access to the services and supports they need to live well,” said OhioMHAS Director LeeAnne Cornyn. “Students won’t have to take off school to see the doctor, and parents won’t have to miss work. Removing these barriers can lead to increased utilization of services and, ultimately, greater wellness and student success. We’re proud to have contributed to this project and look forward to seeing positive results for years to come.”

The Health Center will be operated by Rocking Horse Community Health Center – an established and trusted health care provider with 25 years of service in Clark County.

The $3 million, 5,000-square-foot facility features four exam rooms to provide primary care, vaccinations, health screenings, as well as three additional rooms for individual and group mental health counseling. There are also plans to add vision and dental services in the future.

Each student in the district’s 17 buildings – from preschool through grade 12 – will have access to the clinic with parental consent. Students will be able to schedule appointments with health care professionals or walk-in if they are feeling unwell.

“We are incredibly grateful to Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for supporting this exciting initiative that gives our students and residents of the Springfield City School District additional access to health care,” added Springfield City School District Superintendent Dr. Bob Hill. “Students can go to the Health Center to get treated for primary care and behavioral health services and get back to class quickly. They won’t miss out on important instruction.”

In addition to students, the Health Center will also serve parents, school employees, and all community members across Springfield.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, the new facility will accept all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Any patient who needs services that are not offered at the Health Center will be referred to outside agencies that can appropriately serve their needs.

In addition to OhioMHAS and Rocking Horse, the school district also worked on the project alongside several other supporting partners including the Community Health Foundation; the Mental Health Recovery Board of Clark, Greene, and Madison Counties; the City of Springfield; the Springfield Foundation; Health Resources and Services Administration; the Crabill Family Foundation; the Wilson Sheehan Foundation; Greg and Alicia Hupp; John Legend; IH Credit Union; Huntington Bank; and Park National Bank.

“This Health Center is what happens when an entire community comes together in support of a common goal,” said Governor DeWine. “This center will support all of Springfield and is a win for families who don’t have health insurance or a primary care physician. No one will be turned away from receiving help when they need it.”

Read More & FAQs: The Health Center at Springfield High