Murfreesboro, NC — The Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center’s (RCCHC) school-based health center, located on the campus of Hertford County Middle School in Murfreesboro, will immediately re-focus its efforts on the need for behavioral health services for students in Hertford County.
In a recent needs assessment and review of services offered at the wellness center, RCCHC CEO Kim Schwartz and Hertford County School Superintendent Dr. Michael Perry determined that the greatest health concern are issues related to behavioral health. Studies show that many students suffer from stress related to bullying, family issues, and peer pressure as well as depression, anxiety and a variety of behavioral and/or emotional health issues.
With continued support from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, the staff at the school-based health center will address these issues by providing access to behavioral health services on the campus of Hertford County Middle School. RCCHC will continue to partner with Hertford County Public Schools, Hertford County Health Authority, Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, the Department of Social Services, and other community groups to provide ongoing support to the students of Hertford County.
The Hertford County Student Wellness Center (HCSWC) will continue to serve all Hertford County Public School students as well as staff members of Hertford County Middle School. Students and staff will receive professional behavioral health services designed to reach and maintain optimal mental and emotional health through education, prevention, early detection and management of existing conditions. The center also offers educational programs in the classroom to address specific issues such as bullying prevention, healthy relationships and other topics.
Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center (RCCHC), an FQHC since May 2005, provides comprehensive primary care and pediatric services with locations in Ahoskie and Murfreesboro (Hertford County) and Colerain (Bertie County) North Carolina. As a designated community health and migrant center, RCCHC’s mission is to provide comprehensive care that reduces health disparities for the Roanoke Chowan area. Pediatric services are offered at RCCHC’s Ahoskie clinic Monday through Friday, and the Hertford County Student Wellness Center which operates during the school year and allows students to seek medical treatment without having to leave campus, reducing absenteeism and in turn keeping kids in the classroom giving them a greater chance to successfully complete curriculum requirements.
Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center is a not-for-profit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, committed to providing quality service and comprehensive healthcare, regardless of the ability to pay, to meet the needs of the rural community, including the uninsured. RCCHC offers a sliding fee scale for their patients, as well as medication assistance programs. Evening clinics are available at all locations.
The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust was established in 1947 and is now one of the largestprivate trusts in North Carolina. Its mission is to improve the quality of life and quality of health for the financially needy of North Carolina. The Health Care Division promotes wellness state-wide by investing in prevention and treatment. The Poor and Needy Division of the Trust responds to basic life needs and invests in solutions that improve the quality of life and health for financially needy residents of Forsyth County. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. serves as sole trustee.