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COLUMBUS -- East Palestine and Crestview schools got a boost from the Appalachian Community Grant Program to expand and enhance healthcare access for students in partnership with Akron Children's Hospital.
A press release from State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) announced on Tuesday that the districts will receive $488,196 of the allocated $7.5 million for the development and expansion of school-based health centers across Ohio. The funding comes from the new Appalachian Children's Health Initiative.
East Palestine will use the funds to equip a permanent on-site clinic, while Crestview will be able to offer mobile and telehealth services.
"These resources will go a long way to help students not only in Columbiana County but the region as a whole," said Robb Blasdel via the press release. "Building a new center in East Palestine will only strengthen the community, and the students of Crestview will be better served with access to the services they need to help them grow and fully reach their potential."
While the in-school services are not meant to replace a student's general practitioner, it is meant to support healthcare systems already in place and ensure equitable health services. According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, in-school services can include preventive care, including annual physicals and immunizations, acute illness, mental health and behavioral health services and supports, oral health and vision services and chronic disease management.
East Palestine had already announced it had designated space in the elementary and high school to house an in-school clinic. In addition, the grant will be used to fund a health primary care provider that "will be recruited and retained at the program launch to partner directly with East Palestine City Schools." According to Robb Blasdel's office, the provider will offer indirect and direct clinical services and will work with the school nursing staff.
"Together, they will leverage health and wellness policy, promotion, education, and access to direct healthcare services to help create healthy school environments for students, staff, and families across the district," the press release stated.
The funds will allow Crestview to "receive mobile, in-person provider, and telehealth models of school-based healthcare services." The press release explained that private clinical space for Akron Children's use when on-site will be designated and allow for efficient distribution, coordination, and management of services, including necessary preventative care services. The school provider will deliver telehealth and in-person clinical services for the district and student population. Integrated telehealth equipment to streamline student access to care will also be received.
In 2023, the Governor's Office of Appalachia began funding the Appalachian Community Grant Program, which allows for establishment of school-based health clinics in Appalachian communities.
selverd@mojonews.com