They’re taking the school nurse concept to a much higher level this year at Broward County Public Schools.
Through a collaboration of several agencies and the school district, two facilities, called Health and Resource Hubs, are opening at William Dandy Middle School and Blanche Ely High School. Students and their families will be able to access primary care, mental health needs, nutritional education, and other services.
“Families will be able to come, get their primary care health check, and also see their social service,” said Mikelange Olbel, the CEO of Community Based Connections, a nonprofit operating the hubs.
“Oh, this is an amazing full-circle for me, I was just raised across the street here in Pompano,” Olbel said, pointing at the apartment building across the street from the facility at Ely High.
He knows what the community needs, and so do the schools.
“Our students will be able to come here to get mental health services as well as physical services, along with vitals checks for their general health and well-being, along with their families,” said Tavares Williams, the principal of Ely High School.
Beyond just a health opportunity, the hub is an educational opportunity for Ely’s medical magnet program students. They can just walk across the lawn and get real-world, hands-on experience.
“It’s very exciting because it allows me to have an opportunity that I wouldn’t have anywhere else,” said Garma Desvallons, a junior in the program.
“Because they’re able to mentor me and teach me how to navigate through health care and help me develop critical thinking skills, which is very important when it comes to taking care of patients,” added Ruth Marcelon, a senior with her eyes on becoming a physician.
Many of the services at the hub will be free of charge, meeting the community where they are.
“Giving back is the secret to success,” Olbel said.
