Transition to Community First Health Center has begun
By Barb Pert Templeton
The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) recently announced it will transition operation of the school-based health clinic at Algonac Jr./Sr. High School to Community First Health Centers. It’s expected to open in early 2026.
In a recent press release the health department explained how they operated the clinic through Sept. 1, 2025 when it closed to comply with a directive from SCCHD Director Dr. Remington Nevin,
SCCHD is leading the transfer to restore and sustain access to care for students and families in the Algonac area. SCCHD secured approval from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to transfer school-based health funding to Community First Health Centers, supporting the resumption and continuity of services.
A new Community First Health Center is coming to Algonac Jr./Sr High School
“We would not have been able to move this transition forward without our strong relationships among Algonac Schools, MDHHS, and Community First Health Centers. We appreciate their partnership to restore and sustain these essential services for our students and families” Liz King, RN, BSN, Director-Health Officer of SCCHD, said.
Today, Community First Health Centers and SCCHD are working closely with the State of Michigan to ensure all program requirements, rules, and regulations are met prior to reopening. This includes completing the grant application and contracting process, as well as hiring qualified staff to support clinic operations. These important steps will ultimately determine the timeline for reopening, King said.
To find out all the details about the new center Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with
Kendra Kracht, marketing and communications specialist at Community First Health via email to pose some questions about the plan.
Blue Water Healthy Living: Can you explain a bit about how the health clinic at Algonac Schools worked in the past?
Kendra Kracht, marketing and communications specialist at Community First Health: Until September 1, 2025, the Algonac Schools health clinic was operated by the St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD). Staffed by a nurse practitioner and a licensed mental health provider, the clinic served individuals ages 5–21 and offered health assessments, screenings, prescriptions, sports physicals, immunizations, basic lab services, health education, and on-site testing for COVID-19, strep, mono, and influenza. SCCHD also provided pregnancy and STI testing through the clinic.
BWHL: What exactly is a Community First Health Center?
Kracht: Community First Health Centers are a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with three locations serving both Macomb and St. Clair Counties. Downriver Community Services, Inc. is our legal name and we have been in existence since 1975.We are a nonprofit organization providing a wide range of services, including Primary Health Care, Dental Services, Behavioral Health Care, Homeless Healthcare, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services. In addition, we offer a full range of ancillary services as well as enabling services such as Transportation and Translation assistance. Our sliding fee program ensures that care remains affordable and accessible to all those we serve. In total, we serve over 10,000 individuals a year providing over 30,000 visits.
BWHL: What services will they be onsite to provide to Algonac families?
Kracht: We will offer the same comprehensive services described in question #1, for individuals ages 5-21.
BWHL: Is this similar to an Urgent Care – is insurance needed or is it free?
Kracht: While Urgent Care facilities typically focus on treating acute medical conditions, our care model addresses both acute and chronic health needs and includes mental health services. Services are billed to insurances and provided on a sliding scale discount program to those without insurance who qualify based on income considerations.
BWHL: Are these services only for Algonac students or can seniors or other adults utilize it too?
Kracht: Services are open to any child or adolescent ages 5-21.
BWHL: Is residency in Algonac/Clay required?
Kracht: No. Residency in Algonac or Clay is not required; however, clients must be between the ages of 5-21 to qualify under the State Program.
BWHL: When does the county anticipate reopening this program in Algonac?
Kracht: Community First is actively working with the State of Michigan to transfer the grant, interviewing for open positions, working with the Algonac School District, and ensuring necessary program policies, procedures, and operating requirements are in place prior to seeing clients. We anticipate opening to clients in early 2026.
BWHL: What’s the overall benefit of transitioning to a Community First Health Center?
Kracht: Following SCCHD Medical Director Dr. Nevin’s directive, SCCHD was no longer able to provide services at the Algonac clinic. The transition to Community First Health Centers ensures that essential health services continue for the community. Through strong collaboration among Community First, SCCHD, Algonac Schools, and MDHHS, care will remain available locally, allowing the community to continue accessing trusted, quality services.
