August 19, 2025

New School-Based Health Center Opens in Grand Rapids

News Summary

A new school-based health center has opened at Harrison Park Academy in Grand Rapids, providing essential medical and behavioral health services to children and young adults aged 3 to 21. Established in partnership with Catherine’s Health Center, the facility aims to address significant health service gaps in the community. With the backing of a $180,000 annual grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the center offers a range of services, from well-child visits to therapy, and serves students regardless of their enrollment status with GRPS.

Grand Rapids, MI – A new school-based health center has officially opened at Harrison Park Academy, dedicated to serving children and young adults aged 3 to 21 in the community. The center, which is situated within Grand Rapids Public Schools’ (GRPS) facility at 1440 Davis Ave. NW, marks the fourth school health center launched by GRPS and is the first to be located inside an elementary school.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Harrison Health Center took place on August 18, coinciding with the first day of the school year for GRPS students. Principal Brad Moore emphasized that Harrison Park Academy has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century, providing essential services and education.

The establishment of this health center addresses a significant gap in health services for youth in the area, an initiative driven by GRPS leaders. According to data from the 2024-25 academic year, the academy enrolled 708 students, underscoring the need for accessible healthcare services for families in the region.

GRPS Director of Health Services Kimberly Baron has set a goal to serve at least 200 students with both medical and behavioral health services by the end of the 2025-26 school year. The center is operated by Catherine’s Health Center, a nonprofit community health care clinic, and follows a comprehensive model of a school-based health facility that differs from previous initiatives by the nonprofit in other school districts.

Funding for the Harrison Health Center comes from a $180,000 annual grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) Child and Adolescent Health Center program. This financial support highlights the state’s commitment to enhancing health services for young people. Renovations at the Harrison Park Academy provided the necessary space for three exam rooms, a behavioral health office, a lab, a registration area, and a restroom, ensuring a complete facility for patient care.

The range of services offered at the new center includes well-child visits, sports physicals, immunizations, and treatment for acute illnesses or injuries. Additionally, the center provides behavioral health services, including individual and group therapy, fulfilling a vital role in the mental well-being of the youth in the community.

Importantly, patients do not need to be registered with GRPS to access the health center; all children and young adults aged 3 to 21 are welcome. However, parental consent is required for those seeking services who are under 18 years old, ensuring that families maintain a role in their children’s healthcare decisions.

Superintendent Leadriane Roby underscored the critical importance of this health center, particularly in light of ongoing challenges, including funding uncertainties affecting schools and public health agencies. The establishment of this resource was seen as a proactive measure to support students’ overall health and academic success.

State Representative Carol Glanville pointed out that the health center could provide career pathway exposure for GRPS students, allowing them opportunities to engage with the health care profession as part of their educational experience. This initiative not only benefits individual health but also fosters long-term interest in health-related careers among students.

The capture of community need for such services is reflected in the performance of existing health centers operated by Cherry Health at other GRPS locations, including Union High School, Innovation Center High School, and Ottawa Hills High School, which collectively served over 1,000 patients during the 2024-25 school year.

During the ribbon-cutting event, the Harrison Health Center was also awarded a Congressional certificate of special recognition for its contributions and efforts toward improving youth health services. With this facility’s opening, four additional health care centers are set to launch across the GRPS district this fall, further expanding access to essential health services for the community.

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Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER

GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.

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