Fulton County Schools opened its first school-based health center at Banneker High in College Park on Wednesday, a facility that will provide an array of services, including for mental health.
The center will serve Banneker’s 1,600 students, their siblings and students from Banneker’s feeder schools. The facility will augment the school’s existing medical clinic and Student and Families Engagement (SAFE) center, which provides clothes, food and other support services.
“This (health center) … is a game changer because it will complement those services,” said Lynne Meadows, director of health services for Fulton County Schools.
The facility sits in the school’s main hallway and was created in partnership with the Family Health Centers of Georgia Inc., which will provide funding for medical services.
Georgia is below recommended standards for the ratio of mental health providers to students on the K-12 and college level. Fulton, like many school systems, is spending more money for mental health and counseling services.