School-based health center could come to Northwood

NORTHWOOD, Ohio (WTVG) - A healthcare clinic could soon operate just feet away from high school classrooms as Northwood Local Schools explores establishing a school-based health center in partnership with the Wood County Health Department.

The district is looking to revamp an old library space in the Arts, Athletics, and Administration Building to house the health center.

“We would be taking an existing part of one of our older buildings and turning it into a space where the Wood County Health Department can come and operate out of,” said Jason Kozina, superintendent of Northwood Local Schools.

The Wood County Health Department already operates a Community Health Center in Bowling Green, but leaders say there is a need for primary care in the north end of Wood County.

“We know that there are transportation challenges. It can be hard if someone is trying to access services that are not located in the Northwood community. How do they access those services elsewhere?” said Lindsey Ruivivar, CEO of Wood County Community Health Clinic.

The project would bring care directly to those who need it. Services would include medical and behavioral healthcare, but could include dental in the future. The goal is to make it affordable.

“That means we take all insurance types, as well as we see somebody if they don’t have insurance. We offer a sliding fee schedule and we make sure cost is not a barrier to care,” Ruivivar said.

The project is in the early planning stage. The health department received a $50,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Health for a feasibility study.

“The health department partnership could then provide the opportunity for our students to get the services they might not be getting on a regular basis,” Kozina said.

The state of Ohio is working to expand school-based health clinics. The Ohio Department of Health has supported health centers in 49 districts statewide during the last school year. Northwood’s health clinic would be the first in Wood County.

“We’ve got to take some time, go through some surveys and be sure this is something that would truly benefit our students and our community. But we wouldn’t be doing it if we didn’t think it would be,” Kozina said.

The health department expects the feasibility study to be complete by June 2026. They would then apply for more funding for renovation and startup costs. If all goes well, they tell me they’re hopeful the clinic could bring services to both students and community members by December 2026.

Latest Local News | First Alert Weather | Crime | National | 13abc Originals