Russellville, Arkansas (July 9, 2024) – The Russellville School District (RSD) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $330,000 School-Based Health Center (SBHC) grant. This grant, awarded through the Arkansas School-Based Health Center program in collaboration with the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Office of School Health Services, the Arkansas Department of Health, the Arkansas Department of Human Resources, and Medicaid in the Schools (MITS), will fund the establishment of a new School-Based Health Center within the district. The grant will be disbursed to the district across three years in increments of $150,000, $105,000, and $75,000.
The center will be named the “Cyclone Health & Wellness Center”.
In partnership with ARcare, the Cyclone Health & Wellness Center will offer essential health care and behavioral health services tailored to meet the unique needs of students and district staff. Services will be available to the community as well. This initiative aims to provide a coordinated model for delivering high-quality health care and behavior services directly within the school environment, ensuring that services are safe, convenient, and easily accessible.
The primary goal of the Cyclone Health & Wellness Center is to serve as a resource center for wellness and prevention. To utilize the services provided, guardians must sign written consents for their children. The center will also assist families in need with tools for funding assistance. While the district will not receive any direct financial benefit from the health center, the enhanced access to health services will significantly support students' readiness to learn.
"I am so excited for our schools and community to be able to have more access to health and wellness services. This center will help our families and provide more services for our students and staff. I am very proud of our school leaders for pursuing and achieving the grant opportunity for the benefit of our community!” said Holli Hall, Russellville School Board president.
The district initiated the process of finding a medical partner by publishing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) this spring. Following a thorough selection process, ARcare was chosen due to its extensive experience in establishing school-based clinics across Arkansas. As the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the state, ARcare has over 38 years of experience in community health services and offers its services to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay.
The center is anticipated to be located in a modular unit behind the middle level grades complex. It will operate year-round, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. ARcare will staff the center with a full-time health care team, including an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a medical secretary, a case manager, and a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Additionally, RSD will hire and appoint a School-Based Health Center Coordinator to serve as the liaison between the district and ARcare.
"This new School-Based Health Center represents a transformative addition to our district, offering crucial health services right where our students spend their days. By partnering with ARcare, we are able to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional well-being of our students and staff. This initiative affirms our commitment to creating a supportive and healthy learning environment, and we anticipate it will significantly enhance the overall success and wellness of our school community,” said Dr. Brittany Turner, Director of Student Support Services.
In addition to clinic services, ARcare will collaborate with the district to provide other essential health services, such as physicals and immunizations, and offer training to RSD staff on managing chronic illnesses.
The center is expected to open during the spring semester of the 2024-2025 school year. RSD encourages families and community members to visit https://www.rsdk12.net/o/district/page/health-wellness for more information.
There will be information sessions available at a later date. Details regarding information sessions will be announced once available.
For more information, please contact Dr. Brittany Turner, Director of Student Support Services, at