For more information about minority health, contact Ms. Pheamo R. Witcher, OMH Coordinator, R.I. Dept. of Health, at 401 222-2901. Two School Based Health Centers Teens often experience difficult access to health care in urban areas. Studies show that when access to health care occurs through clinics located on school premises, absenteeism and dropout rates decline. School based health centers provide an integrated community-wide health and social service system of care for families, children and teens. Rhode Island now has six school based health centers in urban middle and high schools, in the communities of Providence, Woonsocket, Central Falls and Pawtucket.
School based health centers provide a full range of health and mental health services.
These include treatment of infection and injuries, care for chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes, substance abuse services, and preventive services such as physicals and immunizations. The Honorable James Doyle, Mayor of Pawtucket, cut the ribbon. Student Council members from both the junior and senior high schools as well as students from Cunningham Elementary School participated in the ribbon-cutting. Speakers included Dr. Hans W. Dellith, Superintendent of Schools for the Pawtucket School Department, Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, and Michael Ryan, Vice President for Business and Planning, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island. Parents and staff who were committed to the development of the two sites received special thanks from officials.