Winter Weather Postpones Today’s School-Based Health Center Ribbon Cutting

Due to inclement winter weather and the closure of Gratiot County schools, today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the School-Based Health Center at Carrie Knause Elementary School has been postponed. The event will be rescheduled for the coming weeks. A public announcement will be made once the new date is finalized. 

Background Information on School-Based Health Center

With funding support from a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) grant to MyMichigan Health Foundation, the Center focuses on addressing the physical, emotional, and educational needs of students in the St. Louis school district. Sarah Slavik, F.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., family nurse practitioner, will provide primary care services to students ages 3 to 21 and is available to all youth who attend St. Louis Public Schools. Gratiot County Community Foundation also provided funding for the School-Based Health Center.

The Center does not replace the student’s current provider but is available for students who do not have a health care provider or would like the convenience of being seen in the school setting. Services will include primary health care, acute health care (such as influenza testing, strep testing, colds, etc.), first aid, well child exams, sports physicals, immunization, labs, preventative care, risk behavior assessment and behavioral health counseling.

According to frequently asked questions posted on MyMichigan Health’s website, a consent must be signed and returned to the School-Based Health Center before a child can receive treatment. Parents/guardians are encouraged to accompany their child to appointments whenever possible, however if work restrictions, transportation or other factors prevent the parent from attending, their child can still receive care, and the care team will communicate with parents by phone. The school district can also assist with transportation between the elementary school and other in-district schools for visits conducted during the school day.

MyMichigan Health will bill insurance and bill for co-pays and deductibles, however no fees are required at the time of service and no child will be turned away due to inability to pay. MyMichigan Health staff can also assist families with qualifying for financial assistance.

Establishment of a School-Based Health Center requires a partnership between a school, parents and a sponsoring medical agency, such as a hospital system, federally-qualified health center or local health department. Health care services are provided by a medical provider, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant or physician. A medical assistant or nurse is also on site.

In addition to the MDHHS grant funding for the School-Based Health Center, the grant also provides funding for planning, construction, equipment, supplies and personnel costs for the site to be successfully implemented. School districts provide in-kind support by way of utilities and space. MyMichigan Health will provide in-kind contribution for program supervision and support expenses. This includes MyMichigan Health information technology and analytics support.

The School-Based Health Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome any time during hours of operation. Another Center opened in Alma earlier this summer.