HONESDALE, PA — On October 20, Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new School-Based Health Center (SBHC) marking an important milestone in expanding access to care and bringing health services closer to the students and families who need them. 

Grants from two local charities—$445,000 from Moses Taylor Foundation and $275,000 from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation—have supported the project and the purchase of the state-of-the-art mobile unit, WMCHC said.

The health center expressed its gratitude “to both organizations whose generosity and commitment to community health have made this initiative possible,” stated Erica Brown, chief development officer, WMCHC. “By bringing services directly to where children learn, we are able to help reduce geographic and socioeconomic barriers to care.”

In its initial phase, the “health center on wheels” will provide primary care for sick and well visits, immunizations, school and sports physicals as well as dental services directly onsite at schools. Wallenpaupack will be the first school district to partner with WMCHC. Plans are still underway; however, a tentative start is set for December 2026.

The unit, which has two treatment rooms along with space for blood collection and vaccine administration, is designed to accommodate students while providing a comfortable, private setting for care. Recognizing the important role parents and guardians play in their children’s health, the SBHC is equipped for parents to participate in visits virtually through telehealth, the WMCHC said. “This option helps families remain involved in their child’s care, even when they are unable to be physically present at the school.”

“We’ve been working closely with school officials regarding the most efficient rollout of key aspects such as parental consent, appointment scheduling, and coordination of follow up care,” said Wynter Newman, chief administrative officer at WMCHC. 

“WMCHC hopes to add more types of services and expand availability to other area school districts to strengthen its commitment to community-based health care for all,” the center said. 

Learn more at www.wmchc.net.