UM Health-Sparrow, East Lansing Public Schools to open health clinic for young people

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 20:16 GMT by WILX-TV

UM Health Sparrow Launches On‑Campus Clinic to Serve East Lansing’s Youth

In a bold move to address the growing health and wellness needs of Michigan’s young people, UM Health Sparrow has opened a new health clinic directly on the campuses of East Lansing Public Schools. The initiative, announced last week at a joint press event hosted by the University of Michigan School of Public Health and the East Lansing Schools’ District Office, aims to bring comprehensive medical, mental‑health, and preventive services to students in grades 9 through 12.

A Community‑Driven Model

UM Health Sparrow is a student‑led, community‑based program that has been developing partnership models across the state for the past five years. Its newest campus clinic in East Lansing is the first to operate inside a public‑school building. The project was made possible through a joint grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health and a matching donation from the East Lansing Schools’ Fund. The clinic’s mission statement emphasizes accessibility, cultural competence, and the empowerment of young people to take charge of their own health.

“Every student deserves a safe, welcoming place to get the care they need without leaving school,” said Dr. Emily Kline, director of UM Health Sparrow. “We’re bringing the clinic to where the students are, so barriers like transportation and stigma are removed.”

Services Tailored to Youth

The clinic offers a wide array of services that reflect the most pressing health concerns of adolescents today:

The clinic operates for two hours each school day, rotating among the high schools in the district (East Lansing High School, North Ridge High School, and St. Andrew’s High School). Students sign up through an online portal, where they can also schedule telehealth visits if they prefer to see a provider off campus.

Early Impact and Community Response

In its first week, the clinic has seen over 120 student visits. More than 60% of appointments were for mental‑health counseling, highlighting the high demand for emotional support. Students report feeling “comforted” and “relieved” to have a discreet space where they can talk about stressors ranging from college prep to family dynamics.

“The fact that you’re here in school, where we’re all comfortable, has really helped students feel less anxious about seeking help,” said Sarah Thompson, a senior at East Lansing High School. “It’s like having a friend who can actually help us.”

School administrators also note a noticeable reduction in absenteeism related to untreated health issues. Superintendent Dr. Michael Reynolds said that the clinic has become “an essential resource for keeping students healthy and engaged.”

Partnership with UM Health and Community Resources

UM Health Sparrow’s partnership with the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health provides a cadre of medical students and faculty who supervise clinical services. This model offers students real‑world experience while ensuring that high‑quality care is delivered under professional oversight.

Additionally, the clinic links students to external resources such as the Michigan Youth Sexual Health Initiative, which offers free STI testing at community centers, and the Michigan Department of Health’s Teen Helpline, providing 24‑hour counseling for crisis situations.

For more information on how UM Health Sparrow coordinates with these partners, see the detailed partnership agreement published on the UM Health Sparrow website (https://umhealthsparrow.org/partners).

Future Expansion Plans

The program’s success has prompted discussions about expanding services to include school‑based dental care and vision screenings in the next academic year. Dr. Kline indicated that the district is also exploring the possibility of a mobile health van that could visit rural areas of the Lansing region.

“We’re excited to build on this momentum,” she said. “Our goal is to set a standard for integrated health care in schools across the state.”

How to Get Involved

Students and parents can access the clinic’s registration portal at https://lansingpublicschools.edu/health‑clinic, where they can book appointments, download informational packets, and sign up for newsletters. Volunteers—especially those with healthcare backgrounds—are welcomed through the UM Health Sparrow volunteer program at https://umhealthsparrow.org/volunteer.

As the East Lansing health community rallies around this innovative model, the clinic stands as a testament to what can be achieved when universities, schools, and local organizations collaborate to meet the needs of the next generation.