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Rockingham County Student Health Centers Celebrate New Middle School Services

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Rockingham County Student Health Centers Celebrate New Middle School Services with Ribbon Cutting at Holmes Middle School
EDEN, N.C., February 25, 2026 - Rockingham County Student Health Centers celebrated a major expansion of student health services with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Holmes Middle School. The new on-site center marks the first time middle school students in the county have had access to school-based health services within their school.
“Expanding these services to middle school students is a big step forward in supporting their health and success,” said Dr. Thresa Hardy, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health Rockingham. “UNC Health Rockingham is proud to partner with Rockingham County Schools to make care accessible for our students."
Since 1994, Rockingham County Student Health Centers have provided high school students with essential medical and mental health care—helping them stay healthy, stay in school, and stay ready to learn. The addition of middle school services represents the next step in supporting the health and academic success of younger students. The middle school center expansion was made possible by an anonymous grant along with expanded partnership and operational support from the Reidsville Area Foundation.
Dr. Shawn Stover, Superintendent of Rockingham County Schools, emphasized the impact of school-based care. "I am excited to expand our partnership with the Rockingham County Student Health Centers to serve our middle school students. Simply put, healthy students learn better. By bringing these resources into schools, we remove barriers and create an environment where students can thrive.”
Expanded Access for Middle Schoolers Across the County Middle school students in Rockingham County now have access to care through their designated high school’s Student Health Center:
  • Rockingham County Middle School → Rockingham County High School
  • Reidsville Middle School → Reidsville High School
  • Western Rockingham Middle School → McMichael High School
Parents or guardians with students in these locations will be responsible for providing transportation to appointments at the designated centers.
 
Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the first middle school Student Health Center at Holmes Middle School. Pictured are Mrs. Tia Scales, principal of Holmes Middle School; Jeff Strickland, president of UNC Health Rockingham; Ilene Hodges, manager of Student Health Centers; Angela Blankenship, administrative coordinator of Student Health Centers; Tara Pruett, director of nursing at UNC Health Rockingham; and Dr. John O. Stover III, superintendent of Rockingham County Schools.
The Rockingham County Student Health Centers, a partnering agency of United Way of Rockingham County, help students stay in school by providing care right where they learn. Research shows that school-based health centers reduce absences and improve test scores. They also help identify and support students who may be at risk for problems like tobacco use, substance abuse, or violence. The Centers make it easier for families to get care without missing work or traveling to multiple places. Staff also connect families to community resources and encourage parents to be involved in their child’s health. Services include care for minor illnesses and injuries, immunizations, lab tests, chronic disease monitoring, mental health counseling, vision and hearing checks, dental screenings, sports physicals, abuse and violence intervention referrals, prescriptions, and nutrition education—all designed to support the whole health of every student. More information about Rockingham County Student Health Centers may be found at uncrockingham.org/studenthealth.
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