Sisters School-Based Health Center, situated near Sisters High School in Oregon, is set to expand its services from two days a week to four days a week. This expansion is a result of a partnership between Mosaic Community Health, Saint Louis University, St. Charles Health System, and Deschutes County. On October 18, Mosaic will assume operations of the health center, which is currently managed by St. Charles Health System. The building is owned by Deschutes County. Tamara Harris, Pediatrics Manager at Mosaic, expressed excitement about the increased access to healthcare for pediatric patients in Sisters. The expanded health center will include pediatric-trained healthcare providers, a full-time behavioral health consultant, and additional services such as clinical pharmacy, Oregon Health Plan enrollment, and nutritionist support. Deschutes County Behavioral Health Department staff will also be available on-site.
This partnership showcases the collaboration within Central Oregon’s medical community and aims to provide the best possible access to healthcare in the Sisters community. Since 2015, the Sisters School-Based Health Center has been offering quality healthcare services to local pediatric patients. The primary goal of the center is to provide convenient access to healthcare. Other objectives include delivering patient-centered care to all students, regardless of their insurance status, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and improving educational outcomes by ensuring the health of children. School-Based Health Centers have been operating in Oregon since 1986 through a unique public-private partnership. Currently, there are 85 accredited SBHCs throughout the state. In Central Oregon, Mosaic, together with school districts and county health partners, operates six schools, and Lapine Community Health Center runs one SBHC in Lapine. These SBHCs play a vital role in removing barriers to healthcare for the youngest residents of Deschutes County. In addition to medical and behavioral health care, the providers at Mosaic SBHC focus on prevention, early intervention, risk reduction, and the development of healthy habits for young patients. The center is open to anyone from birth to 18 years old, regardless of whether they are students at the school where the SBHC is located. The community has shown support for this partnership, recognizing the value it brings to the health and well-being of Central Oregon residents.
Sisters School-Based Health Center becomes part of Mosaic Community Health, now offering services on double the operating days
