Brown Local, Aultman Health to break ground on $3.5 million learning and wellness center
- Brown Local Schools and Aultman Health are collaborating to build the Malvern Community Learning and Wellness Center, a $3.5 million facility aimed at providing comprehensive health services, including mental health support and addiction recovery resources, to students, staff, and the community.
- The facility is part of the Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, a $64 million effort by the state of Ohio to improve healthcare access across Appalachian counties, and is set to open for the 2025-26 school year, featuring a preschool and career lab for holistic development.
- Strong partnerships with organizations such as Springvale Behavioral Health and United Way CARE Teams are integral to the project, emphasizing community engagement and collaboration to enhance the well-being and healthy lifestyles of nearly 375,000 individuals in the region.
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Introduction
Brown Local Schools and Aultman Health are embarking on an exciting new initiative by breaking ground on the Malvern Community Learning and Wellness Center. This state-of-the-art facility will provide comprehensive services aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of students, staff, and the broader community. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on a crisp autumn morning, marked the beginning of a transformative journey for these essential services in the heart of Appalachia.
A Vision for Comprehensive Care
The Malvern Community Learning and Wellness Center is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Brown Local Schools and Aultman Health. This 6,880-square-foot facility will offer a wide array of services, including access to healthcare, mental health support, addiction recovery resources, and CARE Team services. The center will also feature a fitness area designed to promote healthy living and balanced lifestyles for all community members.
"The opportunity to build this wellness center is incredibly exciting," said Brown Local Superintendent Mark Sott. "This initiative reinforces our continued commitment to focusing on the whole child. By expanding support available to students and staff, including mental health services, CARE Team support, healthcare, and wellness, we are truly building a foundation for holistic growth."
Partnerships for Success
The success of this project hinges on strong partnerships. Brown Local Schools has teamed up with Aultman Health, as well as other organizations such as Springvale Behavioral Health, Pathway Caring for Children, United Way CARE Teams, and the ADAMHS Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll County. These partnerships ensure that the center will not only provide essential services but also enhance community engagement and collaboration.
The Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative
The funding for the Malvern Community Learning and Wellness Center comes from the Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative. This initiative, announced by Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, is a $64 million investment aimed at improving access to healthcare across 20 Appalachian counties in Ohio. The initiative is the largest investment in school-based health services in the state, with the goal of reaching nearly 375,000 youth, families, and community members.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
The Malvern Community Learning and Wellness Center is designed to serve as a hub for comprehensive care. The facility will operate on weekdays, year-round, with students being prioritized but also extending its services to staff and the broader community. The center will include a school-operated preschool classroom to increase high-quality early learning services and a leadership and career lab for workforce development.
FMD Architects of Fairlawn is handling the project's architectural design, while Beaver Constructors of Perry Township is serving as the construction manager. The project is expected to be completed by August 1, with the center opening in time for the 2025-26 school year.
A New Era in Community Health
The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone for both Brown Local Schools and Aultman Health. The partnership between these two entities reflects a deep commitment to enhancing community health and well-being. By providing access to essential healthcare services, mental health support, and wellness opportunities, the Malvern Community Learning and Wellness Center is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.
As Superintendent Sott emphasized, "This initiative will reinforce our continued commitment to focusing on the whole child. By building on our excellent partnerships and offering a fitness area accessible to all community members, we are truly building a foundation for holistic growth."
Conclusion
The Malvern Community Learning and Wellness Center represents a beacon of hope for those seeking comprehensive health and wellness services. This collaborative effort between Brown Local Schools and Aultman Health underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing lives. As this project evolves, it is clear that it will be a driving force in promoting healthy living and balanced lifestyles for generations to come.
References:
- Brown Local, Aultman Health to break ground on $3.5 million learning and wellness center
- Aultman Receives $6.8 Million in Grants from State of Ohio to Expand School-based Health Centers
- Oct. 22 Groundbreaking Ceremony Set for Malvern Wellness Center
