Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Cleveland – Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Dr. Warren Morgan, along with MetroHealth and Cleveland Clinic officials, celebrate the grand opening of new school-based health clinics at three Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) schools.
“Access to both healthcare and education is fundamental to the success of our students and the long-term vitality of our communities,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “My administration is fully committed to investing in the health, safety, and overall well-being of our residents, ensuring that every young person has the care and support they need to succeed in school and in life.”
The City of Cleveland’s most recent investments in the Integrated Health Initiative increase access to healthcare services for students by:
- Building three new school-based health clinics in John F. Kennedy High School (operated by the Cleveland Clinic), John Marshall High School (operated by MetroHealth) and Anton Grdina PreK-8 School (operated by MetroHealth)
- Providing additional health supplies, medical equipment and telehealth infrastructure in schools.
- Creating community health education awareness to make children, adolescents and their caregivers aware of new health clinics and services to proactively create access to comprehensive health care and quality patient care that improves long-term health outcomes.
“The idea of having a health clinic inside a high school is progressive and ideal for students who might not have quality healthcare, and a desire to pursue healthcare careers in their futures,” said Dr. Warren Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
The new health centers opening this fall have been funded through the allocation of $3.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, enabling the expansion of the District’s Integrated Health Initiative (IHI). These centers join current clinics operating at Mound Elementary School, Glenville High School and Clara E Westropp Elementary School.
“The new wellness clinics located at John Marshall High School and Anton Grdina are the latest example of MetroHealth going directly into our schools to provide care and services to students, their families and school staff,” said Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager, MetroHealth President and CEO. “Our youngest patients live better and learn better when they are receiving comprehensive care. Creating this access for our city’s students is a top priority of our hospital system.”
School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) work to connect students with community providers for ongoing care or for services not offered on-site, ensuring comprehensive health management. They overcome barriers like transportation, financial constraints, and limited healthcare facilities in a student's community.
“When we bring care directly into schools, we’re not just making it easier for students to see a doctor—we’re building trust with families in a space that feels safe and familiar,” said Dr. Roopa Thakur, Medical Director for Cleveland Clinic's Children's School-Based Health Care and Medical Director for Youth Strategies in Community Health and Partnerships. “That kind of connection helps lay the foundation for lifelong health.”
Available services include:
- Annual physicals
- Sports physicals
- Immunizations
- Care for chronic conditions, including asthma, allergies, diabetes, and seizure disorders
Routine lab tests - Prescription medications
- Teen services
- Injury/illness care
- Mental/behavioral health
CMSD’s school health nurses will continue to provide care at these and all other schools. And, the mobile clinic visits continue at selected schools, as do partnerships with mental/behavioral health, vision, and hearing providers.
