What You Need to Know to Support Barbour County Students Through the School Consolidation: Your School-Based Health FAQs

Changes within a school system can bring a mix of anticipation, uncertainty, and questions and that is especially true when they impact services families rely on every day. As Barbour County Schools move through their consolidation process, we know that many parents and guardians are looking for more information on how school-based health services will operate, where care will be available, and what steps they should take to ensure your student can receive support when needed.

The Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) school-based health team remains committed to providing dependable, accessible care for every student in Barbour County.

The frequently asked questions below are designed to help families understand what will stay the same, what will adjust, and how BCHA is preparing to meet the needs of a larger, more centralized student population without compromising the quality or timeliness of care.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How are school-based health services changing going into the consolidation?

School-based health services will continue to be available for all students as the school system moves through consolidation. Full-time medical and behavioral health services will remain at Philip Barbour’s Brandon Wellness Center. Elementary school students will still have access to medical services through appointment requests. In addition, allergy injections, sports physicals, and flu shot clinics will continue to be offered at the elementary schools. 

Our mission is to meet the healthcare needs of all Barbour County students. To do this, we will carefully schedule provider availability so elementary students can receive care while also ensuring that students at Philip Barbour continue to have timely access to medical services without long wait times.

Will the Brandon Wellness Center located at Philip Barbour have the capacity to serve more students after the consolidation?

Yes, the Brandon Wellness Center at Philip Barbour will have the capacity to serve more students after consolidation. To prepare for the increased student population, a medical provider and nurse team will continue serving elementary schools through scheduled appointments. By grouping appointments into blocks, this team can also spend time providing care at Philip Barbour when needed. The amount of time they spend at each location will remain flexible and will be adjusted based on the number of students needing services. 

In addition, behavioral health services are being expanded. Dr. Kelsi Ross, PhD, has been added to the school-based health team, and Kelly Holbert will continue working alongside Dr. Casey Jo Cottrill, PsyD. This staffing plan will ensure that a behavioral health provider is available on-site full time, with some days having two providers available to support students.

What services are available to students at each of the schools?

Students and staff have access to a variety of health services through the school-based health program. Full-time medical and behavioral health services are available at Philip Barbour’s Brandon Wellness Center, which accepts same-day appointments from any Barbour County student or staff member. For those who prefer to receive care at their elementary school, medical services can be scheduled through appointment requests. 

No matter which school they attend or work at, all students and staff are welcome to use the same-day appointment medical services and behavioral health services offered at the Brandon Wellness Center.

How can my student access the Brandon Wellness Center if they become sick or injured during the school day?

If a student in grades 6 through 12 becomes sick or injured during the school day, they should first check in with their teacher. The teacher can then provide a pass for the student to visit the Brandon Wellness Center for care. 

For elementary-aged students, as well as homeschool or virtual students, parents or guardians can call 304-457-4000 for assistance. Staff at the Brandon Wellness Center will explain the available services and help families understand how to access care.

What should parents or guardians do to make sure students can receive care once the school year starts?

To ensure timely access to services, please complete the online consent form for your student as soon as possible: https://app.formdr.com/practice/MzM0ODM=/form/VfISCqtLsJXVk99ev-miPbALqa6VjlKJ

This form needs to be completed each school year for each student. Completing this form before the school year begins is the best way to make sure your student has uninterrupted access to medical and behavioral health services. 

Supporting Families Through Every Step of the Transition

The Brandon School-Based Health Services team is prepared, fully staffed, and ready to meet the needs of a growing student population. Please be sure to complete the required consent form as soon as possible so your student can continue accessing services without delay. With your partnership, BCHA will continue providing high-quality care that families trust.

If you have any questions, please contact the Brandon Wellness Center.