Akron Children’s to expand school health services in Galion City Schools
08-19-2026 (Ohio)
As students head back to class in the Galion City School District this school year, they will have access to a wide variety of pediatric-focused health services conveniently offered right in their school buildings through a new partnership between the district and Akron Children’s.
Akron Children’s has provided School Health Services to Galion students but now it will be offering School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) as well.
“With a parent’s consent, a nurse practitioner can provide a wide range of medical exams and services to students in person or through telehealth,” said Dr. Lisa Miyatake, medical director of School-Based Health Services for Akron Children’s.
For example, if a child is experiencing ear pain, the nurse practitioner would exam the child’s ear in the school’s nursing office or via telehealth if the provider is at another building that day. If an ear infection is diagnosed, the provider will call in a prescription to a pharmacy, saving the child lost school time and the parent lost work time having to get the child to a doctor, urgent care or an ER. Insurance will be billed, or financial counseling is available for those without insurance.
“SBHC is a very successful and proven approach to keeping children healthy in the classroom and is especially well suited for addressing minor illnesses like coughs, colds, flu, fevers, sore throats, allergy and sinus issues, pink eye and rashes,” said Dr. Miyatake.
Dr. Jeff Hartmann, Galion superintendent, is proud of this partnership and its expanded capabilities.
"Our job at Galion is to give kids the Courage to Climb," Hartmann said. "That means keeping them in school and working with our teachers and staff. This program allows for the school to become a one-stop shop for already busy families to seek and receive healthcare services faster than before."
Akron Children’s research has found each SBHC appointment saves a student, on average, 2 hours and 40 minutes of “seat time” – time that would be spent having to leave school for illness or an outside medical appointment.
Brittany Bayer, CNP, a certified nurse practitioner from the Mansfield office of Akron Children’s Pediatrics, will visit Galion monthly for in-person, in school services.
In all, Akron Children’s provides School Health Services to 45 school districts in 12 Ohio counties and provides school-based healthcare to 25 school districts.
“School nursing is a continuum of care committed to keeping kids healthy and ready to learn,” said Mary Schatz, clinical nurse manager of School Health Administration for Akron Children’s. “It’s a privilege to care for the students in Galion City Schools and we are very excited to welcome them into our SBHC network.”
For more information or questions, call 330-543-7242 or visit akronchildrens.org/schoolhealth.
