UR Nursing, RCSD Launch School-Based Health Center at Monroe High School

The University of Rochester School of Nursing and Rochester City School District celebrated the grand opening of a School-Based Health Center at James Monroe High School on Feb. 28, marking a significant step to improve access to physical and mental health care for local high school students.

The Monroe Health Center will provide comprehensive care to more than 700 students, helping them thrive on their journey to becoming healthy adults. With parent or guardian consent, students can walk in for care or schedule future appointments during the school day. The health center serves students regardless of health insurance status, with no out-of-pocket expenses incurred.

“Having a school-based health center communicates to our students and our youth that medical and mental health care are important. We are here to make sure that students are healthy so they can fully participate in their day-to-day school activities,” said Nichole Gardea Butler, MS, LCSW-R, director of school-based health centers and an assistant professor of clinical nursing. “Whether they need a physical, feel sick, or need to speak to a therapist, we are here for the students.”

The Monroe Health Center is operated and staffed by nurse practitioners, ambulatory technicians, licensed social workers and psychiatrists from the UR School of Nursing and part of Strong Memorial Hospital. It offers a full range of services, including:

• Physicals, primary and preventive care
• Mental health assessments and therapy
• Medication management
• Treatment of acute and chronic conditions
• On-site lab services and medication dispensary
• Health screenings, education, and referrals
• Immunizations and adolescent health counseling
• Collaboration with students’ primary care providers
  
  

"At Monroe, we believe that when students feel their best, they can do their best,” said Jason Muhammad, principal of Monroe High School. “Having a school-based health center right here on campus gives our students a safe, welcoming place to address their health needs without missing valuable class time. This is a game-changer for our school community and a powerful investment in our students' well-being and future."

The Monroe Health Center is among more than 270 School-Based Health Centers across New York State. The UR School of Nursing has provided health services to RCSD students for 30 years, having opened its first School-Based Health Center at East High School in 1995. Last year, the East High clinic treated more than 620 students totaling 3,090 visits.

Research shows that school-based health centers make a significant financial, physical, mental, and educational impact. According to the American Public Health Association, student use of School-Based Health Centers has been associated with:

• Improved attendance, grade performance, and graduation rates
• Better overall health and well-being
• Reduced lost workdays for parents/guardians, who might otherwise have to take time off to coordinate medical appointments

For students to receive services from the health center, a parent or legal guardian must sign the enrollment/consent form, which can be picked up at the Health Center or completed online in both English and Spanish.

Statements from Leaders

“At the School of Nursing, our mission is deeply rooted in improving health outcomes for the communities we serve. We are proud to launch the new Monroe Health Center and champion a model that breaks down barriers, ensuring that young people in our community have greater access to essential health care.”

— Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing

“By providing high-quality, patient-centered care, our Health Centers have the power to make a lasting impact on adolescents — equipping them with the knowledge and resources to take charge of their health."

— Renu Singh, MS, CEO of the UR Medicine Employee Wellness Program

"Our students deserve every opportunity to succeed, and that starts with their health. The opening of the Monroe Health Center means that students can access the care they need—physically and emotionally—right where they spend most of their day. This is about removing barriers, making sure our kids feel supported, and setting them up for success in school and in life."

— Demario Strickland, Interim Superintendent of Schools

“By integrating health services into our schools, we are taking a holistic approach to student success. The Monroe Health Center addresses physical health and also provides emotional and mental health support, helping students thrive in all areas of their lives. This initiative is a reflection of our commitment to nurturing the whole child and ensuring they have the tools to succeed both academically and personally."

— Ruth B. Turner, Deputy Superintendent of Schools