SUMMARY: Children and families will continue to have access to comprehensive healthcare through SVCHS Community Health Centers across Southwest Virginia.
MEADOWVIEW, Va. (July 15, 2026) – Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS) announced it will suspend operations at all of its supported school-based health clinics for the 2026–2027 academic year.
School-based healthcare has been an important part of SVCHS’s mission to improve access to care for children and families. The significant reduction in funds received from participation in the 304B drug pricing program prohibits the organization from sustaining these services while continuing to meet the healthcare needs of communities across Southwest Virginia. Funds received from participating in the 304B program have steadily decreased over the past four years.
The decision follows significant reductions in federal funding that supported school-based healthcare services. Funding available to SVCHS for these services has declined from approximately $2.7 million to $400,000, making continued operation of the school-based health clinics financially unsustainable while maintaining the long-term stability of the health system.
For the past several years, SVCHS has operated school-based health clinics at Saltville Elementary School and Northwood Middle School in Saltville; John S. Battle High School, Virginia High School, Virginia Elementary School and High Point Elementary School in Bristol; and Chilhowie Elementary School in Chilhowie. These clinics have provided convenient access to acute care and preventive services for students and school staff, helping improve access to healthcare while supporting student attendance and educational success.
“This was a difficult decision because we know firsthand the value these school-based clinics provide to students, families and educators throughout our region,” said Bryan Haynes, Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems. “Our responsibility is to ensure that SVCHS remains a strong, sustainable healthcare system that can continue serving Southwest Virginia for years to come. While we are suspending school-based services, our commitment to caring for children and families has not changed. Our pediatric providers remain available at our Community Health Centers, and we encourage families to continue turning to SVCHS for the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve.”
Families whose children previously received care through an SVCHS school-based health clinic are encouraged to continue receiving services at one of the organization’s community health centers. Their medical records are already part of the SVCHS health system, allowing for a seamless transition of care. Families may call to schedule appointments at the location most convenient for them.
Pediatric care is provided at SVCHS Community Health Centers in Meadowview, Bristol and Saltville, with same-day appointments often available. Adult primary care continues to be offered at all SVCHS Community Health Centers: Bristol, Meadowview, Saltville and Tazewell.
As an integrated healthcare system, SVCHS continues to provide comprehensive services for individuals and families throughout Southwest Virginia, including primary care, pediatric care, behavioral health, dental care, pharmacy services, optometry, preventive healthcare and same-day appointments.
Despite the suspension of school-based services, SVCHS remains committed to identifying opportunities, strengthening partnerships and pursuing innovative solutions that improve access to healthcare across Southwest Virginia. The organization will continue evaluating ways to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the communities it serves while ensuring the long-term sustainability of its mission.