CHCNRV’s PCHS School-Based Health Center is part of the fabric of our community.
What is a School-Based Health Center?
School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) are primary care medical and/or dental centers in public schools that serve students, staff, and employees.
While our Pulaski County High School (PCHS) program is innovative, it is hardly unique. Across the nation, more than 1900 similar programs operate in 45 states.
The Community Health Center of the New River Valley has been a trusted partner in our community’s health since 2014 and our legacy runs even deeper; back to 1981 as a free clinic. We are managed, staffed, and directed by people with a real commitment to quality healthcare for everyone who lives in the New River Valley.
What services does the SBHC provide?
- Providers offer sick visits, well-child visits, annual physicals, routine lab work (for established patients), and chronic disease management. Dentists and hygienists travel to schools to provide dental services.
- We can provide services ONLY to students whose parents or guardians have completed our patient application.
- If a student has a primary care physician or dentist, we communicate with them when services have been provided.
- We value and respect the parent or guardian’s role in their child’s medical and dental health. We communicate with you anytime that services for a minor are provided.
- Our staff is comprised of board-certified medical and dental professionals, many of whom specialize in treating pediatric patients.
Meet the providers
Dr. S. Alexander Wood
In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Wood also oversees our groundbreaking new dental residency program. Dr. Wood earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.
Dr. Chao Yi Zhang, DDS
Dr. Zhang served as a volunteer dental assistant at the Community Health Center before a distinguished academic career at VCU and successful dental practices in Richmond and the New River Valley.
Dr Sara Chehreh, DMD
Dr. Chehreh is a graduate of Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine in Illinois. Dr. Chehreh has volunteered her dental services for charitable organizations while holding leadership roles with the American Association of Women Dentists. She is proficient in both Spanish and Danish.
Neeley Russell, Dental Hygienist
Neeley Russell, Registered Dental Hygienist, is based at the PCHS School-Based Health Center but travels with dental professionals to schools throughout Pulaski County to evaluate the dental health of registered students. Neeley also provides education and supplies, including toothbrushes and toothpaste to students who may not have access to simple dental care basics.
Medical Team
Jean R. Duetsch, DNP, CPNP-PC, IBCLC
Duetsch is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who is licensed to care for children and adolescents from birth to age 21. In addition to her Master of Science in Nursing, she received a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Old Dominion University in May 2023, and also holds degrees from the University of Delaware School of Nursing and the College of William & Mary. She has been caring for infants, children, and families in the New River Valley community for over 20 years.
Kimberly Stevenson, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner Stevenson is a dedicated professional with over five years of direct patient care experience in both acute and outpatient settings. She has a strong focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Kimmie received her Master’s degree from Northern Kentucky University and her Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University.
Megan Riggs, FNP
Megan Riggs is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in the Christiansburg office and at our SBHC.
Riggs recently completed her FNP degree at Radford University Carilion but has been a Registered Nurse in the New River Valley since 2013, working in primary care, occupational health, home health, and medical-surgical nursing.
Learn more about our SBHC staff and all of our doctors on our Practioner’s page.
The SBHC is a critical link to care for the kids and parents in Pulaski County. The physical presence of the facility at PCHS makes life easier for students and parents by creating access for students and faculty, especially the most vulnerable.
What does the School-Based Health Center NOT provide at Pulaski County High School?
By our memorandum of understanding with the school board, we DO NOT provide birth control, contraception of any kind, or hormone-related drugs at Pulaski County High School.
Why is the SBHC at Pulaski High School important to our students?
- When a health issue arises, students can be seen at the school. They do not need to miss class to go to the doctor. Parents or guardians do not need to leave work to take their children to the doctor.
- We are a hub for dental services to all schools in Pulaski County.
- We can provide referrals to resources for services we do not provide at the SBHC.
Making a real impact.
Since beginning our work in Pulaski County Public Schools in August, we have been pleased to provide dental services to students at schools around Pulaski County. Our dental serivces include preventative dental services which include dental cleanings, exams, x-rays, fluoride treatments (with parental consent), and sealants as needed.
Why is the SBHC at Pulaski County High School important to the whole New River Valley?
- By creating a culture and infrastructure that supports overall dental and physical health, the long-term health of our community will be positively impacted.
- The accessibility to health and dental care allows parents and guardians to stay on the job and kids to stay in school and positively affects the productivity of both.
- The New River Valley lacks adequate health and dental resources, especially in rural communities. Making care easier to access reduces the strain on our greater heathcare system.
- Left unchecked, many minor conditions can escalate to become serious health situations requiring an emergency room visit or even hospitalization. PCHS is a sensible, efficient alternative to more expensive and intense care.
How does the School-Based Health Center differ from a School Nurse?
School nurses are valued partners in care, however, they are limited in what they can provide, as by the Code of Virginia school nurses cannot conduct any invasive procedures on children (e.g., cannot use otoscopes in ears, use tongue depressors, remove splinters, administer vaccines, or even conduct physicals). They primarily manage medications that must be taken while at school and make referrals to primary care practitioners, dentists, and specialists per their judgment.
The presence of our SBHC gives the school nurse more options to see that students promptly receive the medical and dental healthcare they need.