Pembroke Community Consolidated School District #259 has announced an exciting new partnership with the Community Health Partnership of Illinois (CHP) to address the medical and dental needs of students, their families, and staff. This collaboration brings a mobile healthcare unit to Lorenzo R. Smith School every week, providing vital services to the district and, in the future, to residents of Pembroke Township and St. Anne.
Superintendent Dr. Nicole Terrell-Smith called the initiative a "game changer," citing the lack of local resources and significant access challenges in the area.
“This partnership is a major step toward improving the overall well-being of our students and staff,” she said.
Board President Stacy Noble emphasized the broader impact, stating, “These much-needed services will ultimately improve health, morale, and attendance for both students and staff throughout the school year.”
CHP, based in Kankakee, Illinois, is committed to providing culturally responsive healthcare to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. Dr. Eleace Sawyers, CHP of Illinois President & CEO, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “We saw a need and believed we could make a difference in the lives of underserved populations, including migrant farmworkers and their families. Our school health initiatives work with schools, communities, and states to promote the health of children and adolescents. Health Centers have been a key part of the nation’s health care system for nearly 60 years. We are community-based with a focus on meeting the needs of the people. This partnership aligns perfectly with our core values.”
Currently, services are delivered through the CHP mobile unit, but discussions are underway to potentially expand into the district’s S.A.F.E (Student and Family Engagement) Center, pending funding. The S.A.F.E. Center focuses on connecting students and families with essential community resources, furthering the district’s commitment to supporting the whole child.
This partnership signals a new era of accessible healthcare for the Pembroke community, paving the way for healthier, more engaged students and families.
For more information, please visit: www.chpofil.org and www.psd259.org
