Adrian, MI – Adrian Public Schools has announced a new partnership with Family Medical Center of Michigan to open a school-based health center at Springbrook Middle School, offering primary health care and mental health services to local children and adolescents ages 4 through 21. The Maples Community Health Center will have a soft opening this month, and be fully open in September 2024.
Nate Parker, Superintendent of Adrian Public Schools (pictured above) states, “We’re thrilled to launch the Maples Community Health Center at Springbrook Middle School. By providing accessible healthcare within our schools, we’re ensuring that our students have the support they need to thrive, benefiting both our schools and the entire Adrian community. We extend our sincere thanks to Family Medical Center of Michigan for their partnership in making this vision a reality.”
Family Medical Center of Michigan was one of about thirty recipients to receive a planning grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) last spring to help fund the opening of this health center. Superintendents at schools that already have operational school-based health centers report less absences, better academic performance, and improved behavior among students.
The award of funding from the state to establish the health center follows a six-month planning grant process of determining whether one was needed in this area. A school-based health center is a partnership between a school district, parents, and a sponsoring medical agency, such as a federally qualified health center like Family Medical Center, a hospital system, or local health department. Medical services are provided by a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or physician. All clinical sites also offer mental health services provided by a counselor or social worker.
Health care services provided by Family Medical Center will be available to all children of Adrian up to age 21 – not just students of Adrian Public Schools. The Maples Community Health Center will be open year-round, even in the summer months and on school breaks.
Michael Fox, Jr., Maples Community Health Center (Community Advisory Committee) Parent Representative states, “I am excited about how the Health Center will expand access to quality care for students whose families either do not currently have a family doctor or have a hard time taking off work to get their children medical care when ill. Looking forward to this partnership assisting the district in furthering its efforts in providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all students APS serves.”
The grant requires establishment of a Community Advisory Committee, made up of school staff, local parents of school-aged children or adolescents, school health representatives and clinicians from the sponsoring provider. To apply to be on the Maples Community Health Center Community Advisory Committee, contact Travis Swieringa at tswieringa@familymedical.org.
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