Starting this month, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is bringing a fully equipped Mobile Care Center directly to students in Northwest Local School District. The unit will alternate between Colerain High School and Northwest High School, visiting each campus on the second Wednesday of every other month.
Convenient care for busy families
District nurse Keeva Brice explained that many families previously spent half a day—or even a full day—taking time off work to drive their children to appointments. “We found that families spend half a day, maybe even a full day, trying to take the day off, take their kids down for appointments,” she said.
With the mobile unit on campus, parents no longer need to rearrange work schedules. Operations manager Becky Taylor noted, “They don’t have to take off work, and they can work with the schools, we can get consent and then the child can come straight from class, be seen.” The hospital also promises to keep parents informed about their child’s health status so they can return to their daily responsibilities promptly.
Full range of services
Students will see the same qualified providers they would encounter at the hospital’s main campus. Services include routine physical examinations, immunizations, and follow‑up appointments for mental‑health and nutrition concerns. Each visit can accommodate up to 14 patients, with appointments typically lasting about 30 minutes, though new patients may require a longer slot.
To schedule an appointment, parents must use the MyChart portal, and new patients should call the hospital directly. The mobile unit is designed to meet the same standards of care as the hospital’s brick‑and‑mortar facilities, ensuring equitable access for all children in the district.
Supporting community health
Hospital staff emphasized their commitment to equitable care. “We’re dedicated to making sure students and families also have access to equitable care in their community,” a spokesperson said.
The partnership reflects a broader effort to reduce barriers to health services for families juggling work, school and other responsibilities. By delivering care where children already spend their days, the Mobile Care Center helps keep students healthy and ready to learn, while easing the logistical and financial strain on parents.
Looking ahead
The mobile program will continue throughout the school year, with plans to expand to additional schools in the district if demand remains strong. Community leaders and parents have praised the initiative as a practical solution that aligns with family values and supports the well‑being of the next generation.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
