WYOMING, Mich. — Cherry Health in Wyoming opened a new school-based health center at Godwin Heights High School. On Monday the Wyoming community came out for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and also to tour the new center.
Bill Fetterhoff is the superintendent of Godwin Heights Public Schools and said the new center makes primary medical care accessible for children.
"It means a lot to our community. Some don't have the ability, they don't have the transportation, they don't have other avenues to access healthcare," said Fetterhoff.
Bill Joure is the Chief Operating Officer for Cherry Health and believes the new center will make primary medical care more accessible for children.
"It's easy for them to get to the school center and see our provider during the course of the school day, and it takes some of the burden off parents also getting kids to appointments for their health," said Joure.
The new center is the fourth school-based health site in Kent County and it's open to students ages 5-21 enrolled in Godwin Heights Public Schools. Fetterhoff hopes the center will shift children's ideas of what healthcare can look like.
"I think that really gives an optimistic view for the kids, that this is a positive thing. A lot of children, you know, in terms of our neighborhoods, fear things like healthcare and things of that nature, but this in, you know, working operation can show them the opportunities that will grant them to move forward," said Fetterhoff.
Construction for the health center was made possible by a state grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Joure said he's glad Cherry Health has been able to expand their services and he hopes it will make an impact on the community.
"The services we provide are outpatient counseling for kids who have behavioral health needs, and then primary medical care services. It's great for us to be able to be in the schools and get to the kids when they're in middle school and high school and teach them about good health habits and get them into the habit of accessing care as they need it," said Joure.
The center is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30am until 4pm. A consent form signed by a parent or guardian is needed for services.