Indian Head To Open Charles County’s First School-Based Health Center In December

LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County’s first‑ever school‑based health center (SBHC) is nearing completion at Indian Head Elementary School in Indian Head, marking a major milestone in expanding student health‑care access through a community partnership between CCPS and the Charles County Department of Health (CCDH).

The site is expected to open in December 2025, celebrating the culmination of efforts that began with a groundbreaking last February. The official name will be selected during the Board of Education’s Nov. 24 virtual work session, following three naming recommendations submitted by the committee led by Dr. Dianna Abney, county health officer and longtime advocate for child wellness.

A Vision Years In The Making

On Feb. 27, 2025, the Indian Head community gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Charles County’s first school-based health center, designed to bring medical care directly to where children spend most of their time — school. The facility will offer primary pediatric care, preventive and urgent care, mental health support, and chronic care management for students.

During the groundbreaking, Desiree Colvin, former Indian Head Elementary community school nurse and now CCPS School Health Program Manager, was recognized for leading the health center project from concept to completion. Community School Coordinator Marissa Ackerman and Superintendent Maria Navarro praised Colvin’s vision and dedication, noting that the new facility builds on the school’s strong foundation of community partnerships. Ackerman continues to lead outreach programs such as food drives, meal pick-ups, and the school’s year-round Food Market—initiatives that reflect the ongoing growth and support behind Indian Head’s commitment to student and family well-being.

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.

What Are Community Schools?

Community schools are public schools that serve as hubs connecting students, families, and communities to vital support services. These schools remove barriers to learning by offering wraparound resources such as health care, mental health support, academic enrichment, out-of-school time programming, and family engagement — all directly on campus.

Backed by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and funded in part through Concentration of Poverty grants, community schools aim to promote equity and improve outcomes for students, especially those facing economic challenges. By partnering with nonprofits, local governments, and other stakeholders, community schools leverage community assets to create stronger connections between home, school, and neighborhood.

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