School-Based Health Center Opens February 11 in St. Louis Schools

A ribbon cutting held Tuesday, February 4, marked the opening of a new School-Based Health Center at Carrie Knause Elementary School. The Center will open on Tuesday, February 11, providing on-site primary care and mental health services to students ages 3 to 21 who attend St. Louis Public Schools.

Students in the St. Louis school district will have more convenient access to primary health care with the opening of a School-Based Health Center (SBHC) at Carrie Knause Elementary School on Tuesday, February 11. An open house and ribbon-cutting was held Tuesday, February 4, at the Center offering the community an opportunity to see inside the facility and meet the care team and project collaborators.

Sarah Slavik, F.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., family nurse practitioner, will provide primary care services and Jennifer McGregor, L.M.S.W., will provide behavioral health services to students ages 3 to 21. The Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is available to all youth who attend St. Louis Public Schools. Walk-ins are welcome any time during hours of operation.

The SBHC was approved and funded through collaboration between St. Louis Public Schools, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Gratiot County Community Foundation and MyMichigan Health Foundation. It will be operated by MyMichigan Health.

Pictured left to right, the care team at the SBHC includes Certified Medical Assistant Dusty Brown, Family Nurse Practitioner Sarah Slavik, FNP-C., and Behavioral Health Counselor, Jennifer McGregor, L.M.S.W.

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 the frequently asked questions posted on MyMichigan Health’s website, a consent must be signed and returned to the SBHC 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.

“This will enable our students to get the care they need in a familiar and trusted setting with minimal disruption in their school routine,” said Jennifer McKittrick, superintendent, St. Louis Public Schools. “We’re thankful to the school board and the community organizations who helped us bring this vision to reality.”

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.

Those who would like to learn more about the SBHC may visit mymichigan.org/SBHC-STL.