Exploring the Impact of Maclay Wellness Center
Donors tour the Maclay Wellness Center to see firsthand how it supports student health and well-being.
On March 14, The L.A. Trust welcomed valued donors for an exclusive tour of the Maclay Wellness Center, operated by Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC). This event provided an opportunity to showcase the center’s impact, highlight collaborative efforts, and introduce the Wellness Youth Advocate (WYA) Program at Maclay Middle School.
A firsthand look at school-based health care
Donors had the opportunity to walk through the facility, visiting key areas of the center to see firsthand how students access essential health services. They explored the primary care exam rooms, dental suites, and behavioral health spaces, including a specially designed play therapy room with a two-way mirror. The tour also highlighted the integrated care model, where students can seamlessly receive medical, dental, and mental health services in one location. Staff shared how this approach improves access to care and ensures students receive the support they need without barriers.
Empowering youth through advocacy
Suleyma Villa shares the impact of Wellness Centers and the WYA program on students and the community.
Suleyma Villa, the Adult Ally at Maclay Middle School, provided an in-depth look at the Wellness Youth Advocate (WYA) Program, which meets weekly to educate students on important health topics and empowers them to share this knowledge with their peers. Through engaging lunch-time campaign events, WYA students raise awareness on topics such as HPV, nutrition, oral health, and even more complex issues like trauma. Suleyma emphasized that the program is designed to create a safe and supportive space for students to learn, ask questions, and access resources without pressure.
Suleyma also spoke about the importance of the Wellness Center as a trusted resource. The WYA program plays a crucial role in spreading awareness, ensuring that students and even their families understand the support available to them. Given the strong sense of community in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, once one family learns about a resource, word spreads quickly, helping more students receive the care they need.
NEVHC’s expanding role in school-based health
Theresa "Missy" Nitescu, Chief Operations Officer of NEVHC, highlighted the organization’s extensive reach, operating 18 health centers across the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys, with a 19th center opening soon. As one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers in the nation, NEVHC provides a broad range of services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, case management, psychiatry, and podiatry. She explained how their integrated care model allows students to receive referrals for specialized services while keeping care accessible within the NEVHC network.
A key discussion point was the Data xChange database, a groundbreaking initiative that integrates student health data with academic performance metrics. Originally spearheaded by The L.A. Trust, this tool enables clinics to assess the direct impact of health interventions on student success. NEVHC has been a leader in utilizing this data, particularly in dental care, where their proactive outreach model has significantly increased student visits.
Addressing barriers to care
The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by immigrant and undocumented students and families in accessing healthcare. Concerns around immigration policies, confidentiality, and public charge regulations can discourage families from seeking medical services. Suleyma and NEVHC staff emphasized their commitment to creating a welcoming and safe space where students and families feel comfortable receiving care without fear. Missy also noted that NEVHC staff do not ask for immigration status, further ensuring that all students and families feel safe seeking care. Resources like know-your-rights materials handed out by Suleyma and collaboration with school social workers help ensure that students facing these challenges are supported.
The tour reinforced the vital role of wellness centers in delivering quality, integrated healthcare to LAUSD students and the broader community. Donors left with a deeper appreciation for the collaborative efforts driving positive change in school-based health and youth advocacy.