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Published on September 16, 2024

New School-Based Health Center to Help Reduce Barriers for Students, Families

Students and staff gathering at the ribbon cutting.

The community recently gathered for the grand opening of the new School-Based Health Center located within Donald L. Pavlik Middle School at 1700 N. Pine Ave. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony facilitated by the Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce.

A promising stride toward enhanced student health and wellness was celebrated in Alma as more than 65 community members recently gathered for the grand opening of the new School-Based Health Center located within Donald L. Pavlik Middle School at 1700 N. Pine Ave. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony facilitated by the Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce marking the official start of operations for this monumental health initiative.

Made possible by a grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) awarded to the MyMichigan Health Foundation, the establishment of the Health Center signifies a major advancement in accessible health care for students within the Alma school district. Targeting students aged 3 to 21, the School-Based Health Center will provide a comprehensive suite of services ranging from preventive to acute care, chronic disease management, and mental health services. Angie Bratschi, F.N.P.-B.C., a dedicated family nurse practitioner, will lead the daily health care operations, emphasizing a holistic approach to student health and wellness.

Three Staff Members at the school based health center smile for the camera.

Staff members of the new School-Based Health Center in Alma include (left to right): Dusty Brown, medical assistant; Angie Bratschi, F.N.P.-B.C, and Jayde Weigold, R.N., B.S.N., project director.

“The opening of this Center’s is a shared commitment among Alma Public Schools, MyMichigan Health and the broader community to foster a healthier future for children and adolescents. It truly offers the potential to significantly reduce barriers to accessing quality health care for students and their families,” said Marita Hattem-Schiffman, president, MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Clare, and Mt. Pleasant. “As this facility begins to serve the community, it is poised to set a benchmark for school-based health care provision not only in Michigan but nationwide.”

The creation of the School-Based Health Center stands as an example of community partnership and innovation in addressing the health needs of young people. With weekly operational hours set for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30, the Center welcomes walk-ins, ensuring that students have unhindered access to essential health services. This initiative not only promises to reduce missed school days and relieve parents of scheduling conflicts but also establishes a foundational pillar for lifelong wellness among the youth in Alma.

“Our Chamber is honored to witness the launch of the School-Based Health Center, a vital resource for the well-being of our community," said Sara Bonacci, executive director, Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce. "We are excited about the significant benefits this facility will offer to our young people and stand ready to champion its success in the years to come."

Those interested in more information on the School-Based Health Clinic can view Frequently Asked Questions, call (989) 466-7780 or email schoolbasedcare@mymichigan.org Those interested in learning more about the MyMichigan Health Foundation may visit www.mymichigan.org/foundation or contact Becky Church, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, at (989) 839-3342.