On November 6, 2025, students, educators, health professionals, and community leaders gathered at Piketon Jr./Sr. High School to celebrate the grand opening of a new School-Based Health Center—a transformative step forward for student wellness and community care in Pike County.
The ribbon cutting ceremony, held in the Scioto Valley Auditorium, featured remarks from state and local leaders, including Governor Mike DeWine, State Representative Bob Peterson, and Valley View Health Centers President Keith Pitts. Among the speakers was Alyiah Diack, a Senior at Piketon High School and a Bear Tracks GRIT summer program participant, who shared her experience taking Phlebotomy and reflected on the importance of accessible healthcare for students.
This new facility, operated by Valley View Health Centers in partnership with the Community Action Committee of Pike County and Scioto Valley Local Schools, began serving students and families on September 29. It offers comprehensive well-care, acute care, behavioral health services, and telehealth—all conveniently located on campus.
The project was made possible through Governor DeWine’s Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, which awarded $1.7 million to Pike County as part of a broader $64 million investment across 20 Appalachian counties. The initiative is part of the Appalachian Community Grant Program, which aims to strengthen Ohio’s Appalachian region through healthcare access and workforce development. [development.ohio.gov]
“As a resident of Pike County and a part of the GRIT Project, I see the new school-based Health Center at Piketon High School as so much more than just a new facility—it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for our community,” said Alison Bragg, Senior Director of The GRIT Project at Future Plans. “Together, we’re building a stronger workforce pipeline right here at home, helping young people discover their strengths and pursue meaningful careers in health care and beyond. This partnership is all about empowering our kids and making sure every student has the support they need to build a brighter future.”
The GRIT Project is proud to support initiatives like this that align with our mission to connect education, career pathways, and community development. By investing in school-based health centers, we’re helping remove barriers to success and ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive—academically, emotionally, and physically.