ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Virginia. – Students in Rockbridge County will receive better access to health care at their schools.

The school district has been providing dental care for many years, but they say adding both physical and mental health care will help ease the burden on both students and their families.

“There are fewer and fewer doctors and fewer medical professionals in the area who can help our children with these things. Anytime we have the opportunity to provide these services in-house, especially during the school day, it’s a win-win for everyone,” said Phillip Thompson, Division Superintendent of Rockbridge County Schools.

From physical examinations to individual and small group counseling, students can receive the care they need.

“I was born in Rockbridge County and have worked as a paramedic in the area for nearly 20 years. In our rural communities, there are many challenges with access to health care, whether it be transportation barriers or simply the need. As a result, many people do not have access to health care,” said Amanda McComas, family nurse practitioner at Rockbridge Health Center.

Medical and mental health professionals are available at Maury River Middle School and Rockbridge County High School, but all students in the district can access these services.