The ELPS Health Clinic had its grand opening on Oct. 30.

The clinic has been in the making for about three years as a result of a partnership between the school district and the Ingham County Health Department (ICHD).

After working with the ICHD for about one and a half years, they had some unforeseen financial issues and could no longer support the health clinic. UM-Health Sparrow stepped in and became the health clinic’s new partners.

UM-Health Sparrow designed and built the clinic. They also hired a physician’s assistant, a social worker and a medical assistant that will work full time at the clinic. These staff members were in the clinic every day preparing for its opening.

Principal Ashley Schwarzbek provided insight into why this clinic was needed.

“I think when students have their basic needs met, they are more ready to learn and engage with all of the other things that
we have going on at school,” Schwarzbek said. “I think that healthcare is a basic need.”

It will be open to ages 5-21, or up to 26 for students with an Individualized Education Program. Services will be billed to families with insurance, but if a family does not have insurance, services will be free. The clinic can also help families to get connected with insurance as needed.

“Our goal is to make sure all students have equitable access to healthcare,” Schwarzbek said.

Students may come in for regular check ups, like vaccinations or physicals, or to be tested for illnesses such as strep or Covid-19. They will also provide counseling. The clinic will be similar to an urgent care or primary doctor’s office, providing similar services that these locations supply, with the exception of x-rays.

The clinic is a walk-in, and doesn’t require scheduling in advance.

If you would like to utilize the services provided by the clinic, you may go in Monday through Friday starting at 8 a.m.