Madison Elementary School has opened a new on-campus health and dental clinic, a collaboration between Ohio County Schools and the West Virginia University School of Medicine.
The clinic, open four hours a day, two days a week, provides medical and dental services to students with parental consent.
Children can receive treatment for common problems like a sore throat or cough while also receiving dental services. Douglas Harrison, President and CEO of the West Virginia University School of Medicine Wheeling Hospital, said this initiative has been years in the making.
“It’s part of our mission as a healthcare provider and our commitment to the community,” Harrison noted. “We know that children who receive care from a young age and develop stable relationships with their healthcare providers tend to have healthier lives and carry these benefits into adulthood.”
Madison Elementary Principal Andrea Terrio praised the initiative, emphasizing that it aligns with the school’s overall commitment to student well-being.
“We’ve already started focusing on academics, social and emotional development, and even dental care,” Terrio said. “Adding an on-campus health clinic is a perfect addition. We are committed to serving children in every way possible, and this provides another opportunity to support them.”
Ohio County Schools Superintendent Dr. Kim Miller emphasized the importance of the clinic to the families in the community.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our students,” Miller said. “Access to pediatric care is limited on the Island, so establishing partnerships like this with children and families is incredibly meaningful. We look forward to a long-term partnership with WVU Medicine.”
WVU Medicine already operates several pediatric clinics in West Virginia and Ohio. The clinic at Madison Elementary School is the first step in expanding services to Wheeling Island.