Traverse City Area Public Schools educators recently tapped into federal American Rescue Plan Relief funds to launch the TCAPS Student Health Center, a medical and behavioral health services clinic serving local students and their families.

Through the health clinic, students ages 3-21 can access critical medical and mental health services at West Middle School through a partnership with Northwest Michigan Health Services. The clinic is preparing to offer care year-round, Monday through Friday.

For Carrie Robbins, a TCAPS ELA/science teacher and MEA member, the clinic provides much-needed convenient and accessible medical and behavioral health treatment for students.

“Students can go to medical appointments during school hours without needing a ride,” Robbins said. “The hope is this will allow families to stay current with medical care because of easier access. Healthy students are better able to learn and succeed.”

TCAPS educators used $150,000 from Grand Traverse County’s American Rescue Plan COVID-19 Relief funds, along with a school-based health center grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and generous contributions from the local Rotary Club, to open the clinic. American Rescue Plan Relief funds represent the largest disbursement of COVID-19 relief signed into law by President Biden in 2021 in response to the pandemic.

Rescue dollars help expand students’ access to care 

The journey began with a vision to provide accessible medical and behavioral services for students. Inspired by the success of Manistee Public Schools’ Child and Adolescent Health Center, Heidi Britton, CEO of Northwest Michigan Health Services, approached TCAPS to determine the district’s interest in launching the same type of project in their school community. What followed was a process of needs assessments, data collection and planning, culminating in the development of the TCAPS Student Health Center.

Britton recognized TCAPS’ forward-thinking approach in prioritizing student wellness.

“Not all students and families have the same access to health care, and the clinic breaks down the accessibility obstacle for students and families,” she said.

At the heart of the clinic, you will find a dedicated team of health care professionals, including a physician’s assistant, a licensed master social worker, a community health worker, and front desk staff. The clinic offers medical and behavioral health services, as well as invaluable support for families navigating the complexities of health care access. The team provides enabling services for families including assistance with Medicaid applications and connections with outside services. Additionally, classroom outreach is available from clinic professionals.

“One great benefit is that the therapist on staff has availability for students, and when students have their basic medical and behavioral needs addressed, they are able to learn,” said Marci Perthes, a school counselor at West Middle School and MEA member. “Many families struggle to get appointments with local behavioral health specialists, so being able to make an appointment with the Health Center therapist creates more access to care.”

Ginger Smith, TCAPS’ Executive Director of Marketing and Communications said the component of behavioral health services has been a major benefit to the TCAPS community.

“Physical health care is a welcomed benefit for our families, but more so is
providing additional access to mental healthcare,” Smith said. “That component is, by far, having the greatest impact at this point.”

Removing obstacles to care

The clinic is already making a difference. Recently, a seventh grade student was at school and found himself in need of health care. After confirming parental consent, medical staff treated the student and he was able to return to class. The staff later discovered his family was new to the area and had faced challenges when trying to secure primary care physicians. The clinic will now be able to treat all TCAPS’ students in the family.

Thanks to the clinic’s intervention, the student received the medical care he needed, and his visit led to improved health care access for his family.

“The opening of the new TCAPS student health clinic has marked an important moment for parents and students alike, offering a vital source of medical and behavioral health support,” said West Middle School Principal Kristin Stuedemann. “The clinic has been instrumental in removing obstacles to care, particularly for busy families and newcomers to our area, including those who may face language barriers. The clinic both addresses immediate health needs and fosters a sense of inclusion and support within our community.”