What is PAWS? Understanding school-linked health services

What is PAWS? Understanding school-linked health services

When parents hear the term school-linked health center, they're often unsure what it means. Is it the school nurse? An urgent care? A doctor's office?

The answer is simple: PAWS (Prevention & Wellness Services) Community Adolescent Health Center is a healthcare home designed specifically for adolescents and young adults.

Located just across from Three Rivers High School, PAWS provides comprehensive primary care and behavioral health services while partnering with families, schools and community healthcare providers to to make quality healthcare more accessible.

School-linked health centers are recognized across the country as an effective way to improve access to healthcare because they help remove many of the barriers that can prevent young people from receiving timely care. With parent or guardian consent, eligible students can receive care during the school day, reducing time away from the classroom while helping families avoid unnecessary time away from work. Parents remain active partners in every step of their child's healthcare journey.

At PAWS, care goes beyond treating illness or injury.

Our multidisciplinary team provides preventive care, treatment for acute illnesses and chronic medical conditions, behavioral health services and health education to support the whole person. By integrating physical and emotional wellness in one location, PAWS helps students receive the care and support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

"Every student deserves access to care that recognizes the whole person," says Anne Davidhizar, FNP. "When we meet young people where they are and support their physical, emotional and mental health, we help create a foundation for success that extends far beyond the classroom."

PAWS isn't a replacement for parents - it's a partner.

The PAWS team works alongside families, schools and community healthcare providers to coordinate care and support healthy outcomes for young people. If a student already has a primary care provider, PAWS communicates and collaborates with that provider to help ensure continuity of care and avoid duplication of services.

What makes PAWS unique is its focus on prevention and early intervention. Providers spend time helping young people develop healthy habits, navigate challenges, reduce health risks and make informed decisions that support lifelong wellness.

Whether your child needs a sports physical, treatment for an illness, help managing a chronic condition, behavioral health services or guidance on living a healthier lifestyle, PAWS is committed to making healthcare accessible, convenient and centered on the needs of adolescents and their families.

Helpful resources for families:

• PAWS Community Adolescent Health Center Parent Brochure
• PAWS/E3 Program Brochure
• Parent Consent Form
• PAWS quarterly newsletter