Western Hills & Dater High School Health Center

The Western Hills & Dater High School Health Center is a prominent school-based health clinic located at 2146 Ferguson Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45238. It operates as a vital initiative of the Cincinnati Health Department (CHD), in collaboration with the Deaconess Health Foundation. This center is designed to provide comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services directly within the school environment for students of Western Hills University High School and Dater High School. The center offers a wide range of medical services, including routine physical exams, such as those required for sports and work. They handle the diagnosis and management of chronic illnesses like asthma, provide treatment for acute illnesses and injuries, and administer immunizations. Additionally, the clinic performs routine lab tests and dispenses prescription medications. A significant focus is placed on health education, counseling, and wellness promotion, including fitness and nutrition education. The center also facilitates referrals for healthcare services not provided on-site, such as extensive mental health and dental services. Beyond medical care, the Western Hills & Dater High School Health Center often co-locates with or provides access to dental services. For example, the Deaconess Health Check at Western Hills, which is part of the broader Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) network of school-based health centers, provides comprehensive preventative and restorative dental care, including routine dental appointments. The establishment of such school-based health centers by the Cincinnati Health Department, often within the Community Learning Center (CLC) model of CPS, is driven by a commitment to improving student health and academic achievement, particularly for those who face barriers to accessing healthcare. These centers aim to ensure that no student is denied medical services due to inability to pay, billing insurance where possible (including various Medicaid plans and private insurance) and covering unpaid portions through donations and support. This model significantly reduces barriers to care, leading to improved health outcomes, reduced emergency room visits, and better school attendance. The Western Hills & Dater High School Health Center plays a crucial role in fostering a healthier student population in Cincinnati.