BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. () — Bulloch County Schools is launching a new program this fall aimed at providing more healthcare options for students and faculty.

The district received a $1 million state grant to establish a school-based health center at Langston Chapel’s shared elementary and middle school campus.

“Anyone that has a child can know that sometimes it’s difficult to get in and see a doctor,” said Hayley Greene, public relations director of Bulloch County School System.

School officials chose Langston Chapel as the clinic’s first location because of its high number of students that are in foster care, between homes or qualifying for Medicaid. At this time, only students at Langston Chapel will have access to the clinic.

“There’s a lot of barriers to healthcare for the children that attend those schools,” said Greene.

By the fall semester, the center will be equipped to handle services like sports physicals, immunizations and chronic illness management through a partnership with East Georgia Regional Medical Center.

“As soon as the center starts seeing at least 10 patients a day, it will be self-sustaining,” said Greene.

Students experiencing minor illnesses at school will still visit the nurse’s office first. However, if additional medical attention is needed, the nurse can refer them to the clinic.

“The parent can either come and join the child for the visit, or they can join via phone or telehealth via computer,” said Greene.

The clinic will accept insurance and Medicaid. For those without insurance, a sliding fee scale based on income will be available.