JACKSON, KY — Juniper Health, Inc. (JHI) is now offering healthcare services in facilities based within the Breathitt County and Jackson Independent School Systems. The school-based health program, launched in December of 2023, will employ both in-person and telehealth services to connect those seeking care with JHI providers during the school day.

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to partner with local public-school systems to bring a range of Juniper Health services to facilities in their respective districts”, states Dr. Derrick Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer/Chief Medical Officer at Juniper Health. “As a physician, this is a solution to reducing barriers to care. As the parent of a school-aged student, this as an opportunity to be assured that my child is receiving high-quality healthcare from an entity we know and trust in the convenience of a school setting.  These clinics are not meant to serve only students, but also teachers, staff, administrators, or the public, if needed.

In partnership with school nurses and state-of-the-art technology, a variety of healthcare services will be available to those seeking care within school facilities.

“We are extremely excited for the partnership between the Jackson Independent School District and Juniper Health. It is imperative we support our students not only academically, but also mentally and physically,” states Jackson City Schools Superintendent, Wayne Sizemore, “This will be a benefit for our students, parents, faculty, and community.”

“Breathitt County Schools is excited and thankful to increase our School-Based Health Services with Juniper Health providing on-campus clinic(s),” states Breathitt County Schools Superintendent, Phillip Watts. “This will allow students and staff to be seen by medical professionals during school hours without having to miss classroom learning opportunities and school hours. The partnership will help improve our community health and academic achievement.”

For questions about this new program, contact your child’s school nurse, or Chasity Watts, Juniper Health Director of Nursing, at (606) 666-9950.

Juniper Health is a federally qualified health center with facilities in Breathitt, Elliott, Lee, Menifee, Morgan, and Wolfe Counties. The mission of the organization is to “improve the health of our service area residents by delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.”