Community Health & Wellness Partners and Triad Local Schools Advance Community/School-Based Health Center Partnership

Ohio Department of Health Grant Expands Access to Care for Students, Families, and Community

North Lewisburg /Urbana, Ohio – April 2026 – Community Health & Wellness Partners (CHWP) and Triad Local Schools are pleased to announce continued progress toward the launch of a Community/School-Based Health Center (SBHC) serving students, families, school staff, and the broader Triad community.

The partnership was first announced in October 2025 following CHWP’s award of a grant from the Ohio Department of Health to support the establishment of the SBHC. Once operational, the health center— anticipated to open in late Spring of 2026—will expand access to high-quality, comprehensive healthcare by providing services directly on the Triad Schools campus. Specifically, in the location previously occupied by Triad’s Administration and support staff, adjacent to Triad Elementary School.

The Triad Community/School-Based Health Center is being designed to reduce common barriers to care in this rural community, including transportation challenges, limited provider availability, and time away from school or work. Planned services include primary medical care, behavioral health counseling, immunizations, wellness education, chronic disease management, care coordination, and connections to CHWP services such as pharmacy, nutrition, and preventive health programs. Services will be available regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Over the past year, CHWP and Triad Local Schools have worked closely to plan efforts through community outreach, needs assessments, and stakeholder engagement. Input from students, parents, and school staff has consistently highlighted the need for expanded access to primary care and behavioral health services within the school setting.

As part of project advancement, CHWP and Triad Local Schools have initiated pre-construction planning for renovation of a district-owned building that will serve as the permanent Community/SBHC site. This work has included site walkthroughs, space planning, and coordination with architectural and construction partners to ensure the facility supports safe, confidential, and accessible care while meeting applicable clinical and regulatory standards.

CHWP will provide clinical staffing, medical equipment, and operational oversight for the health center, while Triad Local Schools will continue to support the partnership through facility access and coordination to facilitate student access to care during the school day. The center will serve students, staff, families, and community members at large.

CHWP is also pleased to share that Chelsea Graham, Certified Nurse Practitioner, has joined the care team supporting the Triad partnership. Graham, a provider with CHWP in Bellefontaine for the past four years, will play a key role in delivering patient-centered care within the school-based and community health setting as the center moves toward opening.

“This partnership reflects what is possible when schools and healthcare providers work together to meet people where they are,” said Tara Bair, President/CEO of Community Health & Wellness Partners. “This is CHWP’s sixth school-based health center and our second community/school-based model. With support from the Ohio Department of Health and Triad Local Schools, we are expanding access to care, supporting student success, and strengthening the overall health of the Triad community.”

Vickie Maruniak, Superintendent of Triad Local Schools, added, “Triad Local Schools is proud to partner with Community Health & Wellness Partners to support the whole-child needs of our students and families. This collaboration has been built thoughtfully, with community input guiding the process. We believe the Community/School-Based Health Center will make a meaningful difference for our district and the broader community.”

CHWP and Triad Local Schools will continue to share updates as planning progresses and additional milestones are reached.

About Community Health & Wellness Partners (CHWP)

Community Health & Wellness Partners is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center serving Champaign and Logan Counties and the surrounding area. CHWP provides comprehensive, patient-centered primary care, behavioral health services, pharmacy support, and preventive care with a mission to improve access to high-quality healthcare for rural and underserved populations.

About Triad Local Schools

Triad Local Schools is a rural public school district serving students in Champaign County, Ohio. The district is committed to supporting academic success by addressing the whole-child's needs of students through strong community partnerships and innovative programs.