Riverview Gardens High Opens New School-Based Health Center

ST. LOUIS, MO — The Riverview Gardens School District opened a new 2,800 square-foot school-based health center at Riverview Gardens High School on Monday, according to a news release. Officials called the new facility "innovative" and "ground-breaking," saying it will improve attendance and break down barriers to education.

The school district partnered with CareSTL and Christian Hospital Foundation to bring the project to fruition, officials said. Washington University's Health Equity Works also contributed by conducting a needs assessment among the high school's students.

Students chose the center's name, areas of focus and even its color scheme.

The Riverview Advanced Medical Service — which will go by the acronym RAMS — will serve approximate 1,200 students with a full range of health services, including medical, dental, specialty and behavioral health care. CareSTL, a neighborhood health organization, will staff the facility with doctors, nurses and other medical professionals.

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"This school-based health center will be one of the best in the country," said district superintendent Scott Spurgeon. "It will dramatically impact our ability to provide holistic education and care for the students we serve."

Images via Riverview Gardens School District