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Local health center pitches school-based clinics to Preston County Board
Summary
Mountain Laurel Medical Center proposed partnering with Preston County Schools to create on-site or mobile school-based health centers offering primary care and behavioral health services, aiming to reduce absenteeism and expand access. Board members asked for follow-up on consent, billing and coverage across the county.
Mountain Laurel Medical Center told the Preston County Board of Education on Nov. 10 that it would like to partner with the district to establish school-based health centers that provide primary care and behavioral health services on school property or via mobile clinics.
The center’s chief medical officer, Dr. Sarah Call, said the model is typically staffed by a clinician (nurse practitioner or physician assistant), a nurse or medical assistant, and administrative staff. Brian Bailey, the center’s CEO, and Aaron Lipkcom, the care coordination manager, joined the presentation to explain services, operations and typical scope.
"School-based health centers are on school property or very near the school," Call said, adding that centers aim to reduce absenteeism by letting students receive care during the school day without missing a full day of classes. She described potential services including primary care, well-child checks, immunizations, chronic care management (asthma was named as an example) and licensed behavioral health therapy.
The presenters said the centers require parental consent for students to receive care and, depending on age and visit type, some disclosures are restricted under privacy law. Bailey described how the centers typically bill Medicaid, commercial insurance and apply sliding-scale fees so families who cannot pay still receive care.
Board members asked how a health center would coexist with local providers. Bailey said Mountain Laurel has coordinated with the county health department and local clinics and would work with them in planning. He said the center would not seek to compete but to complement existing services.
On logistics, the presenters said schools most commonly provide space and the health center supplies staff, equipment and technology. Alternative models include mobile clinics or rotating half-day schedules among schools. The presenters noted federal site-designation requirements and that the center would pursue a federal new-site designation if the board requested services.
Student board members expressed support. Hunter Harrison said access was especially important for students who live far from providers, and Bailey Turner asked whether parents would be allowed to attend appointments; the presenters said parental involvement is encouraged and parental consent procedures can be tailored.
Superintendent Mr. Martin told the board that the administration sees this as a multi-step planning process and projected a timeline toward a possible 2026–27 academic-year launch if the board endorses planning and needs-assessment work.
The board did not take a final vote on a contract at the Nov. 10 meeting but later approved related memoranda of understanding for clinical placements and training with community partners (the board approved MOUs with MP Care and Preston Taylor Community Health during the meeting). The district requested that Mountain Laurel and district staff return with a needs assessment, a proposed operating schedule, and answers on parental consent and data-sharing practices before any site is selected.
