Week 2 has been yet another experience of riding the wave and taking in all that I can. I spent a lot of time sitting in on different meetings regarding the upcoming ribbon cutting event for the new school based health center in Grove Port Madison. It was interesting getting to see all the background and all the moving parts that are necessary to put together an event like this. I think that it was an interesting experience to see the communication with media outlets, community partners, and different departments merging together. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday June 15th at the new Groveport Madison location. School based health centers are so important and vital for the community. “School based health centers help ensure students are in school, ready to learn through a school or districts partnerships with health care providers and other community organizations” (ohio.gov). There is a critical connection between healthcare and education, and this connection is so important. Primary One Health and Groveport Madison combined their strengths to create this fully grant funded and operationalized by Primary One Health facility that provides behavioral health, primary care, dental services, and vision services to the people of the Grove port community. The physical structure is beautiful, colorful, inviting, and has all the necessary components for a fully functioning health care center. The ribbon cutting included city council members, Primary One Health CEO Charleta Tavares, Super attendant of Grove City, Primary One Health board member, and other city leaders. It was a great representation of people from Primary One Health and community members of Groveport Madison. There was a lot of passion and excitement that was surging through the crowd. After the ribbon cutting there was lots of food, and a tour of the new facility. It was a great opportunity to be able to talk with different Primary One Health colleagues and get to know them better. I thought it was such a full circle moment to hear about all the planning and coordination, the set up, and then the actual event. Not to mention the US Navy Blue Angels were practicing their upcoming weekend show and flew over with perfect timing which added to the excitement of the attendees. I am excited to see all that is to come of the SBHC and all the good it will do for the community.

I am excited to continue to learn and grow through this experience, and look forward to what is to come in this upcoming week.