INDIAN HEAD, Md. — On Feb. 27, 2025, the Indian Head community gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the first school-based health center (SBHC) in Charles County. The milestone marks a major step in improving health care accessibility for families and children in the area.
Indian Head Elementary Principal Shane Blandford emphasized the need for on-site medical services, citing the lack of local urgent care options.
“The closest urgent care to Indian Head is in La Plata,” Blandford said. “With the opening of this facility, we will be able to provide much-needed health care access right here in our community.”
Several officials attended the event, including Charles County Commissioners Reuben B. Collins II and B.J. Bowling, Mayor Brandon Paulin, Charles County Health Director Dr. Dianna Abney, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Superintendent Dr. Maria Navarro, Indian Head Elementary Community School Coordinator Marissa Ackerman, and Director of Nursing and Community Health Jess Goldsmith.
Collins recognized the significance of the project for western Charles County.
“I understand how significant this is in this sector of Charles County,” Collins said. “I am here because I have a total commitment to the western side of the county.”
A special highlight of the event was the recognition of Desiree Colvin, whose vision and dedication helped bring the project to life. Formerly the community school nurse at Indian Head Elementary, Colvin now serves as the School Health Program Manager for CCPS.
“Just the fact that it’s finally here—the whole team that’s been working on this since October 2022—now that we’re in 2025, it feels so exciting that we’re finally going to see a real building, a real clinic,” Colvin said. “And we’re going to start actually providing the care we’ve wanted to give these students and families. To go from just a thought to the reality is really, really exciting.”
Ackerman credited community support for making the project a reality.
“The community really came together for this. Without their support and the vision from Desireé, we would not be here today,” she said. “This is more than just a clinic—it’s a promise to our families that their health and well-being matter.”
Navarro praised Colvin for her dedication to the community.
“You have a fondness for this community,” Navarro said. “And we thank you, because today we start the work that was your passion.”
Addressing a Critical Need
The need for accessible health care in Indian Head has long been a challenge, with the nearest medical facilities located about 30 minutes away in La Plata. Bowling underscored the importance of investing in initiatives that directly impact students and families.
“I’m proud to be a part of the audience that can bring something to the community that’s going to be positive,” Bowling said. “It gives resources where children need them most—right in the school system. These are the moments where we’re proud to spend money in places that truly make a significant impact.”
How the School-Based Health Center Will Work
The clinic will operate during school hours, with extended availability before and after to accommodate families’ needs. Schools will offer on-site health services for students who opt in with parental consent. The school-based health center will provide preventative care, acute care, chronic condition management and mental health support.
Students can receive physicals, vaccines, strep and flu tests, medication administration and emergency medical services. Referrals from school health personnel will ensure students get the care they need, with communication maintained between providers. By offering these services during school hours, the program aims to reduce absences and improve student well-being.
A Model for the Future
While this is the first SBHC in Charles County, the goal is to expand this model to other community schools. The county currently has 10 designated community schools and is projected to have 14 next school year. The success of this initiative could pave the way for additional clinics in underserved areas, ensuring all children have access to the health care they need.
The excitement surrounding this project is undeniable. More than just a building, it represents a commitment to the well-being of Indian Head’s children and families. Thanks to the partnership between the Charles County Department of Health and CCPS, this clinic is only the beginning.
Additional key contributors to the success of the project include the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, Ivy & Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities, Inc., and Sen. Arthur C. Ellis.
See the program PDF presentation from Jan. 31, 2023, here.
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