The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) wants to expand child and adolescent health care in schools. The department allocated $2.4 million to schools across the state this week to get the project started.
According to MDHHS, students in 26 Michigan schools will benefit from this move, as funding will be used to convene partners and identify locations in or near k-12 schools to add primary care, nursing, and behavioral health services for students.
“We congratulate the 26 planning grant recipients and thank them for their commitment to the health of children and families in their communities,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We will work closely with them to increase access to high quality health services for children and adolescents in Michigan.”
The money is part of a $25 million investment made by Governor Gretchen Whitmer last year to expand Child and Adolescent Health centers across the state. It aims to provide a safe place for students to learn positive health behaviors, prevent diseases and receive needed medical support.
Among the 26 areas selected are Kentwood Public Schools, which will work with Catherine’s Health Center and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. A full list of funded sites is below:
- Benzie Leelanau District Health Department – Suttons Bay and Frankfort-Elberta Public Schools
- Family Medical Center of Michigan Inc. – Springbrook Middle School
- Sterling Area Health Center – (two school districts TBD)
- Ottawa Area Intermediate School District – (school TBD)
- Baldwin Family Health Care – Reed City and Evart Schools
- Public Health, Delta and Menominee Counties – Bay College Campus Health Center
- Cass City Public Schools – (school TBD)
- Community Mental Health for Central Michigan – Shepard School District
- Mott Children’s Health Center – Mt. Morris Community and Education Center and Genesee School District
- Sanilac County Health Department – Sandusky School District
- Great Lakes Bay Health Centers – Bay City Central High School
- MyMichigan Health Foundation – Alma and St. Louis Public Schools
- District Health Department #4 – Hillman Community Schools
- Concord Community School District
- Otsego Public Schools
- Hamilton Community Health Network – School-linked in Genesee County
- Eaton Regional Educational Service Agency – Grand Ledge High School
- Springport Public Schools
- Catherine’s Health Center – Kentwood Public Schools
- Ingham County Health Department – East Lansing Public Schools
- Ascension Southeast Michigan Community Health – Lamphere Public Schools
Following a planning process, the new sites will also receive implementation funding to join the 200 existing Child and Adolescent Health centers serving students in Michigan.
