Featured Guests – Andrea Williamson-English, Laura Terrell, & Ellen Neese 

What is a School Based Health Center?  

A school-based health center (SBHC) is a fully functioning doctor's office located right inside a school. These centers bring healthcare to where students already are—removing common barriers like transportation, time off work for parents, and navigating a complex healthcare system. 

At Hawks Health Center, located on the campus of Chicopee Woods Elementary in Hall County, students can receive timely, comprehensive care without leaving school grounds. 

"It fills the gaps with healthcare for our students." — Ellen Neese, School Nurse 

Services Offered at Hawks Health Center 

Hawks Health provides a wide range of services, including: 

  • Routine wellness and sick visits 
  • Vaccinations and sports physicals 
  • Chronic condition management (like asthma or diabetes) 
  • On-site and telehealth behavioral health support with licensed professionals 

Making Care Easy and Accessible 

Students can be seen during the school day, minimizing missed class time. Parents provide consent and can even participate in visits, while avoiding the need to take off work or arrange transportation. 

"Students who were only seen in urgent care or ER settings are now receiving whole-person, consistent care from a primary care provider." — Andrea Williamson-English 

Real Stories, Real Impact 

  • Improved Attendance: Students with chronic issues are now being managed proactively, improving attendance and school performance. 
  • Faster Access to Mental Health Services: Parents are contacted quickly after referrals, with services often beginning within days. 
  • Support Beyond Students: Even staff members have benefited—one was diagnosed with asthma and is now stable and well. 

Bridging Gaps in Communication and Language 

The center actively involves families in care and uses translation services when needed to ensure no family feels left out due to language barriers. 

"We've had students with unique dialects or different languages, and MedLink helped secure translators to make sure families could fully participate." — Ellen Neese 

Financial Relief for Families 

Through MedLink's pharmacy services, many families can access discounted medications, helping relieve cost burdens for prescriptions. 

Breaking Down Insurance Barriers 

Unlike many traditional offices, insurance type hasn't slowed down access to care or behavioral health services. Wait times are short, and families are being connected quickly to what they need. 

MedLink's Commitment to Community Care 

MedLink Georgia is committed to making healthcare more accessible—and one powerful way we're doing that is by bringing services directly to students at school. Hawks Health Center is a strong example of how this model removes barriers and connects families with vital care, right on campus. 

Need Help or Have Questions? 

📍 Visit your local MedLink location or explore services like Hawks Health Center in Hall County
📞 Call us or request an appointment online
💙 MedLink is here to support your family — one student, one school, one community at a time