Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today announced dozens of transformational projects that will significantly improve access to healthcare across many of Ohio’s Appalachian communities.
As part of the new Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, more than $64 million in funding will be awarded to the Appalachian Children Coalition to support the creation or expansion of community- and school-based health clinics, the launch of healthcare-focused workforce development programs, and more.
“Our vision for Ohio’s future is one where all Ohioans, no matter where they are from, have the opportunity to live up to their full potential,” said Governor DeWine. “These projects will uplift and empower the people of Ohio’s Appalachian region for generations to come.”
The funding will be divided among 28 projects that are expected to impact 61,000 students and 375,000 residents across 20 Appalachian counties. Partners include 34 school districts, a career technical school, an educational service center, and 16 healthcare partners. Expanded services will include comprehensive primary care, dental, vision, and mental health services for children, families, and communities.
Some of those projects will target Pickaway Ross and Hocking counties. According to the release these projects will be affected by these monies.
FosterHub (Hocking, Ross, and Vinton)
Multi-use Facility with Housing, Training, and Wraparound Services Award amount $7,322,363 In partnership with the Hocking Valley Community Hospital, South Central Ohio Job & Family Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and CK Construction Group, FosterHub will purchase and renovate a commercial property in the heart of historic downtown Logan that will house all operations and offer services, including transitional housing for adolescents transitioning from foster care. The space will also provide job training, life skills training, group therapy, and behavioral health activities. The newly renovated downtown location will be home to a teaching kitchen, laundry services, computer training center, gathering space for
behavioral health support services, and more to allow for a holistic approach to ensure youth have the necessary support in place to reach their full potential.
Adena Local School District (Ross)
Warrior Wellness Center Awards amount $5,754,118
In partnership with Adena Health System, Adena Local School District will establish the Warrior Wellness Center located on the school district’s new athletic field complex. The facility will be inclusive of a variety of health, wellness, and social services and will not only benefit the students of Adena Local but will also serve school staff and the entire community. The wellness center will include a newly constructed primary health clinic in addition to a pharmacy, a community wellness and activity center, and offices for behavioral health and other community-serving organizations. A walking track in the facility will provide year-round exercise opportunities for community members. On-site primary care clinical services will be
supported 5 days per week through Adena Health and staffed with a primary care provider and support staff.
Chillicothe City School District (Ross) School-Based Health Center
Award amount $662,130
In partnership, Adena Health and Chillicothe City Schools have identified a 1,300-square-foot space within the district enrollment center on the High School-Middle School campus to serve as a school-based health center. The new clinic will be adjacent to the high school gymnasium and will create easy access for students, staff, and community members. The Chillicothe Wellness team is prioritizing primary care as one of their top needs for students, along with mental health, dental, and nutrition services. Patients can be connected to a broad network of care and be referred to other specialty care providers as needed. On-site clinical services will be supported through Adena Health and staffed by a two-person medical care team that will rotate between the on-site clinics in Ross County to ensure adequate coverage for all partner school districts based on need.
Huntington Local School District (Ross) School-Based Health Center
Award amount: $556,290
In partnership with Adena Health System, Huntington Local School District will establish a Huntington school-based health center within their unified campus complex. The clinic will be located within the high school section of the building and staffed by a two-person medical care team that will rotate between the on-site clinics in Ross County to ensure adequate coverage for all partner school districts based on need. Based on a 2022 school district health and wellness assessment, primary care for students is a priority, along with mental health, dental, and nutrition services. Adena will work to ensure effective delivery of the coordinated services, including prevention care and services for patients, health and social-related professional development services for staff, ongoing assessment of school needs with staff, administration, and school nurses, athletic training and support services, and primary care services.
Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center (Ross, Pickaway)
School-Based Health Center
Award amount $524,250
In partnership with Adena Health System, Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center will establish a school-based health clinic. The clinic will provide convenient access to healthcare services, addressing immediate health needs and fostering a proactive approach to students’ physical and mental well-being. On-site medical care, vaccinations, and health education programs will enhance students’ academic success by reducing absenteeism due to health issues. Access to additional services, such as primary care mental health, will help improve mental health issues. The center will also serve as a valuable resource for families and the community, providing a centralized location for accessible and affordable healthcare, ultimately promoting a healthier and more engaged student body and community as a
whole.
Union-Scioto Local School District (Ross)
School-Based Health Center
Award amount $605,610
In partnership with Adena Health System, Union-Scioto Local School District will establish a school-based health center, eliminating transportation barriers for families and providing access to care for both routine and unexpected medical needs. Prioritized primary care is the top focus for students, along with mental health, dental, and nutrition services. Internal and external Adena partners will ensure effective delivery of the coordinated services, including prevention care and services for patients, health and social-related professional development services for staff, ongoing assessment of school needs with staff, administration and school
nurses, athletic training and support services, and primary care services. On-site clinical services will be supported through Adena Health and staffed by a two-person medical care team that will rotate between the on-site clinics in Ross County to ensure adequate coverage for all partner school districts based on need.
Greenfield Exempted Village, Southeastern Local School District, Waverly City Schools, Wellston City Schools, Zane Trace Local Schools (Ross, Highland, Pike, Jackson) Mobile Health Program
Award amount $232,965
Adena Health System will expand the scope of services its mobile health program delivers to Greenfield Exempted Village, Southeastern Local School District, Waverly City Schools, Wellston City Schools, and Zane Trace Local Schools to deliver critically needed services to families throughout the multi-county service region. The Adena mobile unit is equipped with the necessary equipment for both primary care and dental services, removing barriers to care and fostering a proactive approach to healthcare. A full-time nurse practitioner, one driver/registrar combined role, and one full-time community health worker will be added to the mobile program. Additionally, shore plugs will be installed at each district partner, including existing mobile health district partners, to extend the life of the mobile health unit to ensure sustainable operations well into the future. Linkages of care will be intentionally conducted for patients with needs beyond the initial mobile unit appointment.
