Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Rockbridge Area Health Center
Legal Name (if Different): Rockbridge Area Free Clinic
Also Known As: RAHC
Mailing Address: 25 Northridge Lane
City: Lexington
State: VA
Postal Code: 24450
Main Phone: 5404648700
Main Fax: 540-464-1323
Organization Website: www.rockahc.org
Employer ID Number: 54-1642220
Organization Tax Status: Rockbridge Area Health Center

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 24, 2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: School-Based Health Centers
Project Description:

Rockbridge Area Health Center’s School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) at Rockbridge County High School and Maury River Middle School address critical gaps in student health services in our rural community. Since launching in August 2024, our centers have served 376 students through 909 visits, delivering primary medical care and behavioral health support directly where students learn.

In rural Rockbridge County, transportation barriers often prevent students from accessing essential healthcare. Our SBHCs eliminate these barriers by bringing comprehensive care directly to schools, reducing absenteeism and keeping students in class while receiving the care they need. This innovative approach addresses social determinants of health by ensuring all students have equitable access to healthcare regardless of their family’s transportation resources or work constraints.

School administrators have specifically requested increased behavioral health professional support to address previously unmet student needs. Our integrated behavioral health services provide critical early intervention for students struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that, if left untreated, can significantly impact academic performance and future success. Depression screenings conducted during primary care visits help identify students who might otherwise suffer silently without appropriate support.

The SBHCs address the primary health needs identified in our Community Health Needs Assessment: chronic disease management, mental health support, and injury/violence prevention. By treating conditions like asthma, diabetes, and ADHD in school, we promote long-term health habits that transfer to home life and well into adulthood.

While we currently operate in two schools, our strategic vision includes expanding to additional schools throughout the Rockbridge area over time. This expansion will allow us to reach more students in our rural community, creating equitable access to healthcare services. By addressing health barriers to education now, we’re creating pathways for improved graduation rates and post-secondary success, preparing students with the physical and mental well-being necessary for lifelong achievement in an increasing number of schools across our region.

Total Project Budget: $760,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Virginia Health Care Foundation $180,000/ year for 3 years, United Way $7,500 for 1 year, Rotary $10,000 for 1 year, Gadsden Fund $7,500 for 1 year, Lexington Presbyterian Church $2,500 for one year. Pending: Rockbridge Community Health Foundation: $10,000, Edgar Thurman Charitable Foundation: $10,000, George and Effie Saey Foundation $25,000, W&L Community Grants $9,999

Project Duration: Project is ongoing. Funding is per year.
Geographical Area Served: Rockbridge County and Lexington, Virginia
Age Group To Be Served: 1 – 18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Patricia
Contact Last Name: Cook
Contact Title: Director Of Development
Contact Phone: 5404648700 ext 7163
Contact Email: pcook@rockahc.org