New School-Based Health Center opens at Monroe High School

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District (RCSD) and the University of Rochester School of Nursing have officially launched a new school-based health center at James Monroe High School, marking a significant step toward improving student health and academic success. The grand opening, held on Friday, February 28, highlighted the center’s role in providing accessible physical and mental health care to over 700 students.

With parental or guardian consent, students can receive same-day care or schedule appointments during school hours. The Monroe Health Center ensures that all students, regardless of their health insurance status, can access essential services at no out-of-pocket cost.

Interim Superintendent of Schools, Demario Strickland, emphasized the vital link between student health and academic performance. “We know that when students feel their best physically, mentally, and emotionally, they can focus on learning, growing, and preparing for their futures,” Strickland stated. “Yet too many young people struggle to get the health care they need. That is why the Monroe Health Center is a game changer – offering check-ups, mental health support, and essential care right where students need it most.”

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The partnership with the University of Rochester Medical Center is a cornerstone of this initiative. Ruth B. Turner, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, saying, “We are incredibly proud to partner with the University of Rochester Medical Center in this initiative. Their commitment to community health makes it possible for students to receive high-quality care without the barriers that often stand in the way. Fewer missed school days and better well-being mean a stronger foundation for student success.”

Monroe High School Principal Jason Muhammad underscored the broader significance of the center, particularly for historically underserved communities. “For historically marginalized communities, limited access to health care has long been a barrier to true freedom, justice, and equality,” Muhammad stated. “With the opening of this center, we’re happy that we can produce healthy and productive members of society.”

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The Monroe Health Center is staffed by a team of medical professionals, including nurse practitioners, ambulatory technicians, licensed social workers, and psychiatrists from the UR School of Nursing and Strong Memorial Hospital. The facility offers a comprehensive range of services such as:

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

This initiative builds on a longstanding commitment by the UR School of Nursing to support RCSD students. Since establishing its first school-based health center at East High School in 1995, the university has played a crucial role in student health services. In the past year alone, East High’s clinic provided care for over 620 students across 3,090 visits.

Research highlights the impact of school-based health centers on student outcomes. According to the American Public Health Association, students who utilize these centers experience improved attendance, higher grades, and increased graduation rates. Additionally, parents and guardians benefit by avoiding missed workdays that would otherwise be needed for off-site medical appointments.

The Monroe Health Center is part of a broader network of over 270 school-based health centers across New York State. As more schools adopt similar models, the potential to bridge healthcare gaps and foster student success continues to grow. With the launch of this facility, RCSD and the University of Rochester reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that students receive the medical and mental health support they need to thrive in both school and life.