Hamilton County Schools Partners With Erlanger Health System To Ensure 'Every School Equipped'
August 22, 2024- August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and as Hamilton County Schools (HCS) students head back to classrooms for the year, HCS has established strategies across the district for helping students stay healthy. To help achieve this work, the district partners with various community organizations.
One of the most exciting new partnerships at HCS is the district’s collaboration with Erlanger Health System to open a School-Based Health Center inside Howard Connect. This center functions as a comprehensive pediatric office, offering both preventive and acute care. There is also an on-site lab for diagnostics. They work closely with the school nurse to support the overall well-being of the students and ensure they receive timely care.
The center came to be after the district applied for funding via a grant to address the impact of COVID-19 on campus. After extensive research Howard was chosen for the greatest potential impact. The initiative has since grown into a vital resource for the school community, providing essential healthcare services that ensure students can thrive both academically and physically. Andrew Hardy, the district's Community Partner Coordinator states, “These partnerships address critical physical and mental health needs and equip students and families with valuable resources and opportunities to enhance their health journey.”
A few additional partners that help the district support student health and well-being are Eyes of Hope and Hamilton County Health Department. These programs support students through access to resources such as eye exams through Eyes of Hope and Dental Services through the Health Department. Hardy, notes, “Hamilton County Schools is incredibly fortunate to partner with organizations like the Eyes of Hope, Hamilton County Health Department, and Erlanger Health System, each of which plays a crucial role in supporting our students' health and well-being.”
HCS is committed to ensuring the well-being of all students and staff members, with a focus on equipping each school to address student needs as a whole, and investing in resources that remove barriers to help students excel both inside and outside the classroom.