West Chester, Pa (August 14, 2026) – As students prepare to return to class, work is underway at the Coatesville Area Senior High School (CASH) to develop a new school-based community health center, the first of its kind in Chester County.
The center, operated by Union Community Care, will be open year-round, serving Coatesville students, staff, and the entire community. It will offer same-day visits for illnesses and injuries, Well Child Checks, physicals, screenings, medication management, chronic disease management, vaccines, women’s health and reproductive healthcare, and more.
The innovative partnership was made possible by $100,000 in state funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
“This is like having an urgent care right in the school,” said Comitta, a former public-school teacher who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “By meeting students where they spend most of their time – at school – we can help deliver high-quality healthcare, eliminate obstacles like transportation and long wait times, and prevent parents from missing work and students from missing class.”
The center, located within CASH with its own entrance, will also connect patients to other services, including dental screenings and sealants, vision care, X-rays and diagnostic imaging, behavioral health support and treatment, prenatal care, and community resources like food banks.
“The Coatesville Area School District is excited for this unique opportunity to not just partner with a local health care provider, but to include them directly within the school setting. This partnership is beyond valuable. The fact that our students, staff, and community members have access to medical and dental services right at their fingertips provides an incredible opportunity to remove barriers to care for and promote the overall health and well-being of our school community,” said Coatesville Superintendent Anthony Rybarczyk, Ed.D.
Union Community Care, a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) network, provides care for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, including those with no insurance, some insurance, commercial insurance, Medical Assistance, or Medicare. No one will ever be turned away for care if they can’t pay, and Union offers a sliding fee discount based on household income and size.
“When young people have reliable access to healthcare, they are better able to learn, grow, and pursue what is possible for their lives,” said Alisa Jones, President & CEO of Union Community Care. “This partnership allows us to support the health of Coatesville’s students while building a lasting resource for the entire community—one that connects people to care today and helps create a healthier future for generations to come.”
“We are extremely grateful to have Union Community Health Care as a partner in supporting the physical, mental, and overall wellness of our students, staff, and families. Their presence within our schools strengthens our ability to create a healthy, safe, and supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We look forward to building upon this partnership and working together to ensure that the health and well-being of our school community remain a shared priority,” Rybarczyk added.
At a time when thousands of Pennsylvanians are losing health insurance coverage due to the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies and federal Medicaid cuts, Comitta said it is vital that we invest in community health centers and free clinics as part of our local healthcare infrastructure. She also continues to work to bring hospital and emergency care providers back to the Coatesville and Western Chester County area.
“In addition to keeping kids healthy and learning, school-based health centers can reduce emergency room visits and cut hospital congestion while connecting patients with an array of other community and health services,” she said. “I look forward to its opening and want to thank Union Community Care, the Coatesville Area School District, and everyone who is working to make this project a reality.”
There are 3,900 to 4,500 school-based health centers serving communities nationwide, including about 30 in Pennsylvania, according to the School-Based Health Alliance.
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