The Center for Youth Health & Wellness staff is seen outside the new center on the Escanaba campus in 2024. From left are Renee Ouradnik, mental health counselor; Rachel Barnhart, clerk; Jessica Bernson, registered nurse; and Kayla Coltson, family nurse practitioner. (Courtesy photo)

ESCANABA – The Center for Youth Health and Wellness opened its doors on the Bay College Escanaba Campus in fall 2024.

The center quickly become a vital resource for students and local youth ages 10 to 21, providing accessible, quality medical and mental health services in a welcoming, youth-focused environment.

The center has demonstrated strong community engagement and meaningful impact since its opening. It has served 1,045 unduplicated clients. These individuals visited the center for a wide range of health and wellness needs, including medical, mental health and annual wellness.

“We are thrilled by the positive response and the number of young people who are choosing to access care right here on campus through the center,” said Cindy Gallagher, Bay College vice president of Workforce Innovation and Strategic Partnerships. “This partnership with Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties ensures that students and community youth have the support they need to thrive academically, personally and socially.”

Since the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, the center’s momentum has remained strong. In the first quarter alone, it has seen 99 medical visits and 147 mental health visits.

Since its opening, the center has become a critical provider for the required high school sports physicals that allow youth to participate in high school sports. Kayla Coltson, family nurse practitioner at the center, said they have provided 755 sports physicals to area youth since August 2024.

These numbers reflect the continued and growing demand for accessible youth-focused health services in the region. The center’s integrated approach — combining medical care, mental health support, prevention services, and wellness education — helps empower young people to make informed decisions and build healthier futures.

“It’s clear that this collaboration is filling a critical gap in our community,” said Michael Snyder, health officer at Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties. “We are committed to providing quality services, reducing barriers and meeting the evolving needs of youth across Delta and Menominee counties.”

The Center for Youth Health and Wellness offers walk-in and scheduled appointments for ages 10 to 21. Services include primary medical care, behavioral health counseling, vaccines, wellness visits, and health education – all provided in a confidential, inclusive and supportive setting.

The center employs four staff, including a receptionist, a licensed mental health counselor, a registered nurse, and a nurse practitioner. It also has an active Advisory Board consisting of representatives from local K-12 partners, Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District, Public Health, Bay College and local parents.

Funding for the center is provided through a grant awarded to Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with reimbursement from billing public and private insurance plans. No client between the ages of 10 to 21 will be denied care due to an inability to pay.

Bay College and Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties look forward to building on this strong foundation for years to come.

For more information, go to the center’s page at baycollege.edu, contact the Center for Youth Health and Wellness at 906-786-1672 or see the center’s Facebook page.