Ohio Opens 29 School Health Clinics, Bringing Vital Care Closer to Thousands of Children
Thousands of children in Ohio’s Appalachian region are gaining better access to healthcare following the successful completion of the Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, which invested more than $64 million in services for children and families.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the programme’s completion on October 7, 2026, following the opening of its 29th health clinic within the Chillicothe City School District.
Launched in 2024, the initiative established clinics across 34 school districts in partnership with 16 regional healthcare providers. Most facilities are located within schools, allowing children to receive medical attention closer to home without travelling long distances or missing significant classroom time.
Services vary by location but include primary healthcare, dental care, vision services and mental health support.
According to programme officials, the clinics have recorded nearly 33,000 patient visits since the first facility opened, including more than 21,000 visits by children. Officials estimate that students have saved an average of 3.19 hours of learning time by accessing school-based healthcare rather than leaving school for appointments.
DeWine said the initiative represents a long-term investment in children’s health and future, making essential medical services more accessible to families in the region.
Lydia Mihalik added that school-based clinics help parents manage childhood illnesses without the added pressure of arranging distant appointments or taking time away from work.
The Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative was funded through the state’s $500 million Appalachian Community Grant Programme, which supports development across Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region.
The initiative demonstrates how bringing healthcare into schools can help address barriers to children’s wellbeing, supporting both their health and their education.
