In-school health clinic now
open at Two Rivers High School

In-school health clinic now open at Two Rivers High School
By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | January 2026

To the dismay of some students and the delight of others, a midday visit to the doctor’s office may no longer mean missed classes at Two Rivers High School. The school recently unveiled Warrior Care, a new in-school health clinic staffed by doctors from St. Paul-based Riverland Community Health Clinic. Students can now drop in to get prescriptions, sports physicals and a variety of other healthcare services. This is especially helpful for youth who have conditions that require routine doctor appointments and those who don’t have reliable transportation.

The clinic was created to ensure that students “have convenient access to preventative and primary care – reducing time out of school, addressing health needs early, and supporting student well-being as an essential part of academic success,” said ISD 197 communications director Sara Blair. “School leaders saw how a health clinic could support students and families and remove obstacles that impact attendance, engagement and learning.”

School nurses will continue to be responsible for day-to-day triage, conducting health screenings, supporting students with chronic conditions, and implementing care plans outlined by students’ healthcare providers. The three licensed Warrior Care providers will handle diagnosing and treating conditions on site and providing preventive and acute care. Services include well-teen checkups, flu and Covid testing, immunizations, allergy management, sexual health screening and counseling, and nutrition counseling and weight management. Most services require a consent form signed by a parent or guardian, however those considered confidential do not, as required by state law.

The doctors can also diagnose mental health illnesses and prescribe medication when needed. In these cases, Blair said the providers collaborate with school nurses, counselors and mental health professionals. These services are considered confidential. When needed, services will be referred to other health care professionals, just as they would be through a primary care provider.

“Care provided by school nurses and school-based health centers is complementary – each plays a distinct role in supporting student well-being,” Blair said. “When both are available, schools are better able to promote health, prevent illness and support students with ongoing medical needs.”

Services are billed by Riverland and the costs vary based on insurance. A discount program and payment plans are also available. Additionally, students can request a cost estimate of services before being treated. It should be noted that many insurance plans cover routine checkups and screenings, with little or no out-of-pocket costs for these services. Checkups and screenings are also available.

The clinic is funded by a 3-year grant from the Minnesota Department of Health. ISD 197 is working to secure funding to ensure that the clinic remains financially sustainable beyond that time. It also plans to expand care to family members of Two Rivers students as well as all district staff. Currently, the clinic is available only to those employed at the high school. The clinic is open Monday-Tuesday, 8 a.m.-noon, and Thursday, 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit isd197.org/resources/warrior-care.