About
The purpose of the District 21 Health Center, established in partnership with Advocate Health, is to bring health care directly to the school environment, thereby addressing barriers to access, including cost and stigma, and ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to receive timely and appropriate health care services.
The District 21 Health Center, operated in collaboration with Advocate Health, aims to provide comprehensive primary and preventative physical, mental and educational health services for children and adolescents within our district. These services are meant to improve the social/emotional, cultural and physical health of these groups, as well as the educational environment.
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
* Hours subject to change based on the district’s calendar and holidays. Please schedule an appointment below to see availability.
Schedule an Appointment
Parents or guardians may make appointments before, during or after school for general medical topics, vaccines or mental health concerns.
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Consent Process
District 21’s agreement with Advocate Health indicates that the school-based health center will only provide services to students if they have a signed parental consent form on file. The electronic consent form is available here, or students may pick up a paper copy at the center during normal hours of operation.
Services
The services offered at the D21 Health Center will be similar to services provided at an immediate care center. All medical and mental health appointments, including on-site testing services, will be of no cost to the patient/caregiver. However, there may be a nominal charge for vaccinations for those ineligible for the federally funded Vaccines for Children program.
Services include:
- School and sports physical exams
- Immunizations
- Examination, diagnosis and treatment of such complaints as:
- Cold and cough
- Fevers
- Ear infections
- Eye infections, pink eye and styes
- Rashes or skin irritants
- Seasonal allergies
- Laboratory testing for a range of conditions, including:
- Flu, COVID-19 and RSV
- Strep throat
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Counseling sessions with a clinical therapist for conditions such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Relationships
- Self-esteem
- Stress and problem-solving
- Social skills
- Trauma
Referrals for Outside Services
If a service is requested or needed by a student outside the scope of services offered by the D21 Health Center, the provider will offer a referral. Advocate Health uses a referral database and an established list of area providers for medical and mental health referrals for services not offered in the school health center.
Supporting Services
For those in need, transportation services are available during the school year to the District 21 Health Center.
Health Center Staff
Advocate Health is our operating partner and employs a medical director and a family nurse practitioner.
Medical Director
Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Therapist
Patient Service Representative & Certified Medical Assistant
Certified Medical Assistant
Practice Manager, Community
Outreach & Population Health
Required Pre-Visit Questionnaire
Required Pre-Visit Questionnaire
- Bright Futures Pre-Visit Questionnaires
- Please open the document, choose the language in the top-right corner and then fill out this form completely prior to your visit.
- PHQ-9 Depression Screening (12 and over)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the District 21 Health Center?
The purpose of a school health center is to provide students and staff members with access to quality medical care that supports their health and keeps them in school. The District 21 Health Center is designed to complement the services offered by the school nurse for students who may need additional care.
By implementing a school health center, seeking health care is simple and convenient. The center is available during school hours as well as before and after classes which keeps students and staff in school without needing to miss vital learning time. With an emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and risk reduction, school-based health centers seek to improve students’ overall physical and emotional health regardless of the ability to pay.
What is the difference between a Nurse's Office and a School Health Center?
The National Associate of School Nurses and the School-Based Health Alliance recently issued a joint statement answering the question, “What happens when school nurses and school-based health centers work together?” Their answer included the following,
- Students’ health, overall well-being, and academic success improve;
- Students acquire the health knowledge and skills they need to become independent in providing self-care;
- School absence rates decrease, and graduation rates increase;
- Student access to equitable health care increases, including health promotion, disease prevention, and illness management; and
- Continuity of care occurs when health professionals coordinate student health needs. This frees educators to focus on teaching and allows parents/caregivers to remain at work.
Who can access the District 21 Health Center?
Any student currently enrolled in Community Consolidated School District 21 (CCSD21) is eligible to visit the health center. In addition, the center may be accessed by District 21 staff members.
The district’s agreement with Advocate Health indicates that the D21 Health Center will only provide services to students if they have a signed parental consent form on file. Families may complete the consent form online or pick up a paper copy at the center during normal hours of operation. Students must have a signed consent form in order to be seen.
For those in need, transportation will be available to the D21 Health Center for the 2025-26 school year.
The medical team also offers services for staff members. Services may include general check-ups and commonly used prescriptions.
How much does it cost to visit the District 21 Health Center?
All medical and mental health appointments, including on-site testing services, are provided at no cost.
What if a student or staff member needs service outside of the scope of services provided by the District 21 Health Center?
If a student or staff member needs a service outside the scope of services available at the District 21 Health Center, the Advocate Health staff will offer a referral. Advocate Health uses a referral database and established list of professionals for medical and mental health service referrals.
How is privacy maintained?
Medical records remain confidential between the patient, family and our operating partner. Parents or guardians may authorize information to be shared with the school by completing a consent form available from the D21 Health Center staff.
How is the District 21 Health Center funded?
The District 21 Health Center will have two expenses:
A one-time cost for the construction and purchase of furnishings for the health center space; and
An annual expense to pay for the operating costs of the health center.
One-time Costs
Through the support of Congressman Brad Schneider, the school district was awarded a one-time grant of $1,000,000 for building construction, land improvement and equipment expenses. This funding was made possible through Congress’ 2022 HRSA Community Project Funding process and was approved as part of the recent Omnibus spending bill.
Additionally, the school district received a donation of $1M from an anonymous donor.
Ongoing Costs
Except for providing general janitorial/maintenance and technology support, the costs of operating a health center are contained to general supplies and personnel. Most school health centers are operated as a partnership between the school and a community health organization. It is estimated that operating a health center will cost between $425,000 and $475,000 per year. This estimate has been developed after an extensive financial review of two, similarly-situated school-based health centers in our region.
In terms of financial responsibility, the school district is responsible for funding the health services and/or securing operating grants from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the federal government, the State of Illinois, and community-based organizations.
Your generous support can make a big difference and serve as an investment in our mission to meet the growing needs of our student population. We believe that investing in our health center is an investment in our students’ future and an acknowledgement of your legacy. By supporting this initiative, you are contributing to the immediate well-being of our students by also fostering a healthier, more vibrant community for generations to come. Your partnership through this project empowers us to break down barriers to health care, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive personally and academically. Together, we can build a foundation of health and success that will echo throughout our community for years to come.
D21 Health Center
Maximize the achievement and honor the uniqueness of every student, every day.
