GENESEE TWP., Michigan (WNEM) – An initiative of the Mott Children’s Health Center aims to improve the lives of young people by introducing health services into schools.
On Tuesday, August 13, the first of two school-based centers opened on the Genesee High School campus.
Now, less than 30 feet from the back door of Genesee High School, children, teens and young adults in Genesee County can access the same services they would receive at a doctor’s appointment or in the emergency room.
A grand opening was held Tuesday at Wolves Wellness Center, a new partnership between Mott Children’s Health Center and the Genesee School District for a school-based health center.
The facility provides primary health care and mental health services to young people ages 3 to 21 in Genesee County. Patients can receive health services such as physical exams, sports medicine, immunizations and counseling.
The Wolves Wellness Center is also in high demand among other school districts.
According to the Mott Children’s Health Center, more than 100 schools across Michigan were on a waiting list to establish their own student health center, and this was just one of 26 to receive a planning grant last spring.
A Mott spokesman said principals at schools that already have such office hours report fewer absenteeisms, better academic performance and improved student behavior.
Todd Wisely, president and CEO of Mott Children’s Health Center, said that’s exactly their goal, along with helping to reduce barriers to health care for children in the northern part of the county.
“Proximity to home and transportation are challenges for many people when they need medical care. Because it’s right here on school property, they don’t have to leave school. They can make appointments or drop in spontaneously if they’re sick. For example, our main campus is 20 minutes away. That’s not easy for some people to get to, so proximity will be critical and will function in some ways like an emergency care facility for the community and for children.”
The Wolves Wellness Center is located on the Genesee High School campus on N. Genesee Road.
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