School Based Health

Students, teachers and staff benefit from healthcare services integrated directly within our region’s schools.

Offerings include preventive screenings, treatment of short-term illnesses, management of long-term conditions, immunizations, sports physicals, and more.

Southern West Virginia Health System received a grant from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources in 1992 to develop and staff a school-based health center (SBHC).  SWVHS then opened its’ first school based health center, the Guyan Valley Wellness Center, located in Branchland, WV.  Additionally, SWVHS received support from other sources to open a modern SBHC in the Lincoln County High School during the fall of 2006.  Following the success of these centers, SWVHS opened an additional site at Duval Pre-k through 8 Community School in the fall of 2007.  Over time, SWVHS has added additional school based health clinics to assist with improved access and promote healthy behavior and attendance.  School Based Health Centers are now also at Chapmanville Regional High School, Logan High School, Man Elementary/Middle School, Ranger Elementary School and Midway Elementary School.

Children are only seen in the school based health clinic if the parent or guardian has completed a consent form giving permission for the child to be seen. After each visit, the parent or guardian will be contacted by phone or a letter sent home if they can’t contact you via phone to explain the reason for the visit and their treatment recommendations. No actual payments are collected at the school based health center; however, services are billed to the student’s insurance. Parents will receive statements in the mail regarding billing. The goal of school based health is to provide easier access to healthcare so students can remain in school and attend more instructional time.