Brown Local Schools

Brown Local Schools Awarded $2,627,950 to open a School Based Wellness Center

Malvern, OH March 26, 2024— Brown Local Schools and Aultman Health will partner to open a school-based Wellness Center thanks to a $2,627,950 grant announced as part of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s ongoing investment in Ohio’s Appalachian communities.

 In partnership with Aultman Health, the Brown Local School District will build a 3,000-square-foot community wellness center that will provide comprehensive services, including access to healthcare, mental health, addiction and recovery services, CARE Team Services, and physical fitness opportunities for staff and community members. The wellness center will operate weekdays, year-round. Students will be prioritized, but the center will be able to serve staff while allowing access to the broader community.

 Quote From Superintendent Mark Scott-

“We are very excited about the opportunity to build a Wellness Center to benefit our students, staff, and community. This initiative will reinforce our continued commitment to focusing on the whole child. We will be able to expand the support available to students and staff, including mental health services, CARE Team Support, healthcare, and wellness. This will be an opportunity to build on our excellent partnerships with Aultman, Springvale Behavioral Health, Pathway Caring for Children, United Way CARE Teams, and the ADAMHS Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll County. We will also be able to offer a fitness area all community members can access to help focus on living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It is a great day to be a Malvern Hornet!

The Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, announced by Gov. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, is a more than $64 million investment that includes dozens of projects to improve access to healthcare in 36 communities across 20 Appalachian counties in Ohio. It is the largest investment in school-based health services in the state of Ohio.

 Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus prepared the grant proposal on behalf of the Appalachian Children Coalition to improve children’s access to the care they need where they spend most of their time – in school. The new or expanded services, including primary care, behavioral health, and preventive care, will reach nearly 375,000 youth, families, and community members. Each project varies based on community needs.

 “We appreciate Gov. DeWine’s commitment to the health of children in the Appalachian region and are excited to be able to lead the effort to bring local healthcare services to meet their needs,” said Randy Leite, PhD, executive director of the Appalachian Children Coalition. “For many children and families, the lack of access to local healthcare services leads to any number of negative health and educational outcomes. The school-based clinics and services to be developed as part of this program will provide access that is so desperately needed. We share Gov. DeWine’s commitment to our children and know that our many partners in this effort do, too.”