When Health Care Meets the School Bell: A Partnership That Keeps Students Learning
Students and staff can receive professional medical and behavioral health care without ever leaving campus, preserving instructional time and reducing barriers to care.
At Parkersburg High School, every minute of instruction matters. That’s why a long-standing collaboration with Coplin Health Systems has now been formally solidified through the Partner In Education (PIE) program—turning what began as a shared commitment into a model partnership for student success.
Since 2022, Coplin Health has operated a full-service Wellness Center inside the PHS Annex, quietly transforming the school day. Students and staff can receive professional medical and behavioral health care without ever leaving campus, preserving instructional time and reducing barriers to care. The result is simple but powerful: healthier students, fewer disruptions, and more time spent where it matters most—learning.
PHS Principal Jason Potts sees the impact daily. By eliminating off-campus appointments, the partnership protects learning time while also exposing students to real-world healthcare environments and career pathways. It’s a practical example of how community expertise can directly support educational outcomes.
For Rob Dudley, the partnership is personal. As a parent of PHS alumni, formalizing this relationship through PIE represents a way to give back—ensuring today’s students have access to the care and support needed to thrive academically and beyond.
Looking ahead, Coplin Health is exploring the integration of telehealth equipment in schools, expanding access to specialized care and keeping Parkersburg High School at the forefront of student wellness innovation in West Virginia.
The official signing brought together leaders from across the community, including Christi Willis, Jill Parsons, Julie Bertram, and Tracy Martin—a clear signal that this work is both collaborative and community-wide.
Your Business. Their Future.
The Coplin Health–Parkersburg High School partnership is proof of what’s possible when local organizations align with school needs. Many other schools are still waiting for that kind of support. Whether your organization can offer mentorship, resources, or specialized services, you can play a role in shaping a student’s future.
To learn how your organization can become a Partner In Education, contact info@movchamber.org and help strengthen the Mid-Ohio Valley—one partnership at a time.
