COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ross County schools received a significant boost in their efforts to improve student health outcomes as part of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative. The initiative, funded through the larger Appalachian Community Grant Program, awarded millions of dollars to establish and expand school-based health centers across the region.
Adena Local School District received the largest chunk of funding in Ross County, with a $5,754,118 award to establish the Warrior Wellness Center. This comprehensive facility will offer primary care, a pharmacy, a community wellness center, and offices for behavioral health and social services. The center will not only benefit students but also serve school staff and the entire community.
Chillicothe City Schools partnered with Adena Health to secure a $662,130 grant to create a school-based health center within their existing enrollment center. This readily accessible clinic will prioritize primary care needs alongside mental health, dental, and nutrition services.
Huntington Local School District and Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center were each awarded funds to establish school-based health centers within their respective campuses. Both clinics will be staffed by a rotating two-person medical care team ensuring adequate coverage across partnering districts.
Union-Scioto Local School District also received a grant to establish a school-based health center, eliminating transportation barriers for families and providing access to both routine and unexpected medical needs. Similar to other awardees, Union-Scioto will prioritize primary care alongside mental health, dental, and nutrition services.
In addition to these individual school-based efforts, a portion of the funding will be used to expand the reach of Adena Health System’s mobile health program. This program serves multiple counties, including Ross, and provides vital primary care and dental services to families facing transportation barriers. The grant will allow Adena to add a full-time nurse practitioner, a combined driver/registrar, and a full-time community health worker to the program, further enhancing its capacity.