Cherry Creek Schools celebrated the first anniversary of its School-Based Community Health Centers (SBCHCs) on March 1 (watch a tour video here)! These clinics are one of many initiatives to prioritize students’ physical and mental health as the district lives its core value of Whole Wellbeing.
These primary care clinics were created in partnership with STRIDE Community Health Center, which allows students, families, and community members to access health care in two convenient locations at the Overland High School/Prairie Middle School and Horizon Community Middle School campuses.
In the past year, the SBCHCs have had 2,455 patient visits. Health Services Director, Jen Ellerbroek, stated, “These centers have been able to provide access to healthcare services in areas that previously didn’t have as many opportunities available and we’re excited to grow this partnership and expand the outreach to even more individuals and families. ”
“This kind of partnership is a huge part of what it means to be a school,” Overland High School Principal Sybil Booker shared. “Supporting our community with wrap-around services and access to health care means more students can focus on learning because their needs are being met.”
“Increasing access to healthcare for students is critical for their learning,” Horizon Community Principal Dr. Brad Weinhold said. “When we can remove barriers and minimize the time students are taken out of school for medical purposes, they are better able to thrive in their academics. This focus on the whole child leads to greater levels of engagement in school. Our partnership with STRIDE is an excellent example of what it truly means to be a community.”
“Access to healthcare doesn’t happen equally across our community,” Clara Perez, Practice Administrator at STRIDE, explained. “Being able to see a healthcare professional is not only beneficial for helping our community stay healthy, but can alleviate the anxiety of not knowing what’s wrong.”
Students, families, and community members can schedule an appointment at one of the STRIDE School-Based Community Health Centers by calling STRIDE’s main appointment line at 303-778-7433.
This partnership is one of the many ways our district continues to expand access to physical and mental health support for our students, families, staff, and community.
Posted 3/1/23.
