Centers across school districts in Oswego County treated over 20,000 people in 2025; ConnextCare is opening its 10th site, this time in Hannibal
By Stefan Yablonski
The school-based health center is a full-service health center operated by ConnextCare and partially funded by New York state. It had its start two decades ago and is adding to its ranks in 2026.
“This program has been in existence for close to 20 years. Our oldest started at the Sandy Creek School District. From there the school-based health center program has grown into some of the other school districts,” Tricia Peter-Clark, president and chief executive officer, ConnextCare, said.
School-based health centers provide prompt, quality and convenient primary healthcare to enrolled students, staffed by a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. A physician will always be available for consultation if illness or injury warrants.
Centers are in every school district in Oswego County except Phoenix, Fulton and Central Square. There are nine, with eight being full-service,
“In Fulton we only have a dental program in the Fairgrieve Elementary. So, minimal school-based services provided at this time,” Peter-Clark explained.
Opening soon in Hannibal
“Our board just recently approved expansion into Hannibal. The full board voted on it Feb. 18. We have already received preliminary permission to move forward. The school district invested the capital dollars to build the actual health center which will be ready for us to use come April 1,” Peter-Clark said. “ConnextCare has to seek approval from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to open a new site in the Hannibal Central School District. Once this is approved by HRSA, we then have to file an application with the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Child Health, to establish the school-based health center. Once they approve it then we can open. We are hopeful all this happens and we are ready to go by the beginning of April — if all the stars align.”
Every one of them, except for Fulton, is fully integrated with medical, dental and mental health services, she added.
The sites are staffed with a nurse practitioner (pediatric or family practice), a licensed practical nurse, a medical assistant, dental hygienist and licensed mental health counselor or licensed master social worker.
“We have a supervising pediatrician who provides onsite care at a minimum of one day per month and when not onsite, is always available for case discussion when needed,” she added.
Are they getting a lot of use?
“Oh my god, yes! We are very, very busy. Yes, 100%. It is very convenient for kids to be able to access care when they aren’t feeling well, instead of having to request someone to come and get them and then you have to make an appointment at a doctor’s office and you have to get them in. So, they miss a lot more school. This expedites their treatment. It reduces the time that they are out of school, which is great. They can get medication right away, so they start feeling better sooner,” she said.
Parents can call and schedule an appointment or send a note requesting an appointment with a number where they can be reached. If a child becomes sick or injured at school they can go to the nurse’s office, the nurse can evaluate the sickness or injury. If she suggests further attention, a parent will be notified and an appointment scheduled.
School nurses aren’t able to diagnose and treat patients.
“The school nurses in every one of our schools are absolutely amazing. They make referrals to the center to the families. The school nurses in each one of our schools are really what makes the program successful because of their relationship and advocacy of the work that we do,” she said.
Open to all students
Any student is eligible; economics doesn’t matter.
“That is one thing I think is a misnomer. Everybody thinks it is for people who don’t have insurance or a primary care provider. Primary care is available to students who enroll in the program,” she explained.
All school-aged children are eligible to participate. A parent needs to complete an enrollment form for each child. Forms are available on the ConnextCare website, school nurse’s office or at the SBHC in the student’s school.
The provider will treat illnesses — if a prescription is necessary, the provider will send it to the pharmacy of the patient’s choice. They will also treat minor injuries, monitor and treat chronic illnesses such as asthma, hay fever and give immunizations. They will give comprehensive physical examinations in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.
No cost
There is no cost (to the student/family) for visits to the SBHC.
“We bill most insurances for the service provided and we accept as payment what these companies have paid. However, what is not covered is adjusted off by ConnextCare as uncompensated care,” she explained. “You aren’t responsible for co-pays.”
