Governor DeWine Commemorates Launch of New Health Clinic at Scioto Valley School District
Piketon, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine Visits New Health Clinic at Piketon Jr/Sr High School
In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility for students and families in southeastern Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine visited Piketon Jr/Sr High School this week to inaugurate the new school-based health clinic established by the Scioto Valley School District. This facility comes as a result of nearly .7 million in funding allocated through Governor DeWine’s Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative.
The clinic, developed in partnership with Valley View Health Centers, is designed to cater to the healthcare needs of students, staff, and their families, thereby extending its services to the broader community. Among its offerings, the clinic provides essential primary care and behavioral health services, reflecting a comprehensive approach to promoting overall wellness.
Research indicates that school-based healthcare initiatives effectively lower barriers to accessing necessary health services, leading to improved physical and mental health outcomes among students. Such facilities have been linked to enhancements in attendance rates, academic performance, and overall student health—key indicators of a successful educational experience.
“This new clinic will allow students to get the care they need and get back to learning,” stated Governor DeWine during the opening ceremony. “When families can access care where their children already learn, we see better attendance, higher classroom performance, and healthier, more confident students who can reach their God-given potential.”
The Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, under which the Piketon clinic was funded, has allocated over million for the establishment and expansion of community and school-based health clinics across the region. This initiative encompasses 28 projects expected to benefit approximately 61,000 students and 375,000 residents in 20 counties throughout Appalachia.
Furthermore, the clinic’s establishment sits within the broader framework of the Appalachian Community Grant Program, which has earmarked 0 million to bolster development and health resources in Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region. Initiated by Governor DeWine and supported by the Ohio General Assembly in 2022, this program aims to address systemic health disparities while fostering economic growth and community resilience.
As school-based health initiatives continue to expand, their impact on the health and educational outcomes of children in rural and underserved areas remains a priority for state leaders and health advocates alike. The opening of the Piketon health clinic marks a promising chapter in Ohio’s commitment to improving health access for its youngest residents, ensuring that they have the support necessary to thrive academically and beyond.
