SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Springfield City School District announced it has received $1 million from the State of Ohio to support its new school-based health center at Springfield High School. 

The $3 million health center is set to open for use on Aug. 15 but will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Aug. 12.

“We are incredibly grateful to Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for supporting this exciting initiative that gives our students and residents of the Springfield City School District additional access to health care,” said Superintendent Bob Hill in a press release. “Students can go to the health center to get treated for primary care and behavioral health services and get back to class quickly. They won’t miss out on important instruction.”

The goal of the health center is to prioritize the health and wellness of children and their families, Hill added. 

“Increasing access to mental health care for youth and families is a goal of our Community Assessment & Plan,” said Greta Mayer, CEO of the Mental Health Recovery Board, in a release. “With the help of Director LeeAnne Cornyn’s capital team and fundraising efforts by the local Springfield City School District, our project was quickly approved by the State for the maximum award of $1 million.”

The center will have four exam rooms and three other rooms for mental health treatment. It'll provide services like primary care, vaccinations, health screens and individual/group mental health counseling. In the future, it plans to add vision and dental services. 

Springfield officials said all 7,700 students in the district's 17 buildings are allowed to use the clinic with parental permission.