To address health concerns at their earliest and most preventable stage, ChristianaCare has opened three new school-based health centers in Delaware elementary schools.
• Brookside Elementary School in Newark – part of the Christina School District.
• Silver Lake Elementary School in Middletown – part of the Appokinimink School District.
• Richardson Park Elementary School in Wilmington – part of the Red Clay School District.
“At ChristianaCare, we recognize that early intervention is essential to meeting the holistic health needs of youth in our communities,” said Erin, Chief Biopsychosocial Officer at ChristianaCare, LLC. Booker said. “Early life trauma impairs a child's ability to learn and increases the risk of chronic disease and mental health problems.”
“A path to lifelong health”
“With the opening of these three new school-based health centers, these children now have convenient access to medical services, behavioral health services, and comprehensive social care,” Booker said. Ta. These centers can improve their health and education and put them on the path to lifelong health. ”
“Powering our future starts with fostering the health and well-being of young minds.”
— Dorell Green, Ed.D., Superintendent of Red Clay Unified School District
These new elementary school wellness centers are a partnership between ChristianaCare, the Delaware School Health Alliance, schools and school districts, and are supported by New Castle County government with American Rescue Plan Act funding.
With the latest additions, ChristianaCare now operates school-based health centers at six elementary schools and 19 high schools and middle schools.
Each ChristianaCare school-based health center includes a medical team of medical, mental health, community health, and nutrition experts. The Health Center also offers a variety of services by appointment during school hours. A parent or guardian must provide a signed permission form before the student's first visit to the Health Center.
“Early intervention is key”
“At ChristianaCare, we collaborate and serve based on values of love and excellence. That mission of service is why we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities.” said Dr. Priscilla Mpathi, FAAP's assistant physician. She is Director of the Clinically Integrated Network and Delaware Medicaid Partners.
“School-based health centers link education with the health of the whole child. As we all know, early intervention is the key to good health. Children learn better when they are happy and healthy. They know that they have a safe place to go when they need care.”
Three school-based health centers, which are free to students and located within each elementary school, also reduce the need for parents and students to find transportation for their health care needs.
A place where children can learn, grow and succeed
“Preparing students to learn is critical, but it can be difficult when students face a variety of obstacles,” said Dan Shelton, Ed.D., superintendent of the Christina School District. says. “That's why our collaboration with ChristianaCare and New Castle County is a great opportunity to bring essential services directly to schools.
“The services provided by Christiana Care are invaluable to our students and their families.”
—Matt Burrows, Apokinimink School District Superintendent
“We are excited to create an in-school wellness center at Brookside Elementary School to provide students with the support they need to be well-prepared and motivated to learn,” he said.
“Powering our future starts with nurturing the health and well-being of young minds,” said Red Clay Unified School District Superintendent, who will oversee the new school-based health center in Richardson Park. Dr. Dorell Green said.
“Elementary school-based health centers help communities thrive by providing accessible, comprehensive health care and ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.” “It plays a very important role,” he said.
“We are very grateful to be able to open the first school-based health center at an elementary school in the Appokinimink School District,” said Superintendent Matt Burrows.
“This would not have been possible without the cooperation of New Castle County government and the Delaware School Health Alliance. The services provided by school-based health centers span a wide range of care, including physical exams, immunizations, and mental health. The services provided by Christiana Care are invaluable to our students and their families.”
