Primary Care Clinic Opens in District
Oxford, Mississippi (August 17, 2020) — Oxford School District is providing more access to healthcare during a time when seeing a doctor or nurse is complicated. In 2019, the district began making arrangements for a school-based health clinic to serve its students and staff members. School-based health clinics are a powerful tool for school districts around the country to meet the unique needs of children and vulnerable populations facing significant barriers to healthcare.
In partnership with North Mississippi Primary Health Clinics (NMPHC), Charger Health and Wellness will open to see patients on Monday, on the first day of school- August 24th. NMPHC is a private-nonprofit Community Health Center organization with eight clinics and a mobile unit in north Mississippi. They will begin offering services in a mobile unit adjacent to the former Oxford Learning Center building located at 399 5th Street while the building is remodeled for the health clinic.
"We are proud to partner with Oxford School District to bring high quality, patient-centered care to the students, faculty, and staff through Charger Health and Wellness. By providing care in the school setting, students can access medical, dental, mental health, and social services without leaving campus for long," said Christina Nunnally, Chief Quality Officer for NMPHC.
The clinic will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each weekday and will accept all forms of insurance. Primary care services will be provided at this location to students and employees regardless of their ability to pay. The students and staff will not face any out-of-pocket charges for care. "This is an incredible service to bring to our district, especially during a worldwide pandemic. This clinic will allow us to provide our parents and students with the tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle and ensure further success in the classroom. This is one more step in taking care of the whole child," said Superintendent Brian Harvey.
The clinic is equipped to provide Covid-19 rapid test that reveals results in 15 minutes or less. "By bringing this service to OSD, we will be able to minimize the wait time on informing parents of potential Covid-19 cases and quarantine for students or classrooms, " said Nunnally.
All students, faculty, and staff of the Oxford School District will have on-site access to high-quality health care, promoting a healthier learning environment, and minimizing absenteeism.
About the clinic:
Charger Health and Wellness (CHW) provides comprehensive primary care services year-round. CHW can serve as a student’s primary health care provider or supplement the services they would normally receive. CHW offers medical, oral, social and mental health services, and education to enrolled students, and faculty and staff at Oxford School District. CHW staff can also provide referrals to specialty care, community providers, and other programs that coordinate to ensure every student receives the care they need to lead healthier lives.
Primary and Preventative Care
- Well Child Visits
- Immunizations
- Chronic Disease Management
- Nutrition Counseling
- Acute Care
- Substance Abuse Screening
Behavioral Health
- Mental Health Services
Oral Health
- Examinations
- Cleanings
- Fillings
- Education and Counseling
- Sealants
Frequently Asked Questions
When is CHW open and what are the hours?
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (open during lunch periods).
An on-call provider is available when CHW is closed (e.g., from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, weekends and holidays) and facilitates emergency room referrals of students as needed.
Who can receive services at CHW?
Any student currently enrolled at Oxford School District, faculty, and staff. After graduation, seniors can use the health center through the first week of August; after that, CHW staff will assist students with transitioning to another health care provider.
Can I still go to my normal doctor’s office?
Yes. CHW can either supplement existing services received from a student’s primary health care provider or serve as a student’s regular health provider. CHW offers the convenience of a doctor’s visit without missing an entire day of school or requiring a parent to miss work. CHW staff communicate with your regular doctor to keep them informed.
How do I sign up?
By completing the form below, you are submitting your child's information to CHW so we can send a link to the registration forms. You will receive the registration form via text the first time your child is seen at CHW. Each time your child is seen, you will be sent a text link to verify your child's information.
Is it true that students don’t pay?
YES! Students DO NOT directly pay for services. Instead, if a student is insured, the insurance may be billed where applicable. We do not send bills or letters home for services. A case manager is able to help students apply for insurance if they lack it.
What if there’s an emergency?
If a student needs to be seen at CHW for an unlikely emergency situation, enrollment will be done by CHW staff where applicable. Parents/Guardians will be contacted for verbal approval in case of an emergency.