School-Based Health Center Coming To Turn Of River Middle School

STAMFORD, CT — Family Centers and Stamford Public Schools (SPS) recently celebrated the start of construction of a new full-service school-based health center at Turn of River Middle School.

At the request of U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4th), Family Centers received a $1 million grant as part of the federal omnibus funding package that was passed in December 2022 to support the project.

On Oct. 16, Himes joined representatives from Family Centers and SPS at Turn of River Middle School to discuss the importance of increasing access to medical and mental health care for the city’s youth.

The new health center will be built in an unused locker room and will add primary medical care to the existing mental health services available to Turn of River students. The health center is expected to be fully operational by the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

"This health center is a vital addition to this community that prioritizes the health and well-being of every student. It represents the shared commitment of Family Centers and the City of Stamford to provide accessible, quality healthcare right here on-site, ensuring students can focus on their studies knowing their healthcare needs are fully supported," said Family Centers’ Chief Health Officer Dennis Torres in a news release.

Himes, Family Centers’ CEO Bob Arnold, SPS Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero, Mayor Caroline Simmons, Turn of River Principal Mark Bonasera and Turn of River Student Ambassador Rudrh Nair also spoke on the importance of creating a medical home within school, ensuring accessible, quality healthcare services.

Located in eight SPS locations, SBHC’s are operated by Family Centers and staffed by nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, social workers, dental professionals and other personnel. More than 1,800 children receive primary health, dental and mental health care each year. Services are provided regardless of a family’s income or health insurance status.

Family Centers is a private, nonprofit organization offering health, education and human service programs to children, adults and families in Fairfield County. More than 300 professionals and 500 trained volunteers work together to provide more than 26,000 residents with a holistic, wrap-around approach to care.

Family Centers is Joint Commission accredited in Ambulatory Health Care, Behavioral Health Care and Human Services. Family Centers’ early care and education programs are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the agency is licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. Visit www.familycenters.org for more information.