DeWine helps dedicate Tusky Valley school-based health center

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine delivered remarks Oct. 30 during the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Tusky Valley school-based health center, located in the former high school and current administrative building at 2635 Tusky Valley Road.

“We are celebrating the opening of the school’s health center by using federal dollars,” DeWine said. “We had applications from 32 different counties totaling $500 million. The local community always knows best what is needed.”

The Tusky Valley Health Center officially opened in August 2025 through DeWine’s Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, funded by a $2.28 million grant with no local dollars used for the project.

“We want to focus on students being all they can become and celebrate the new health center,” said Superintendent Dr. Derek Varansky.

Varansky said the district researched other school-based health centers across the state before moving forward. “We found that some students lacked access to needed medical care,” he said. “The center is primarily for the care of students, with parent consent. There are two nurses on duty, and when students are not feeling well, help is right here. The center is also available to the community.”

Varansky thanked the community for its continued support, noting the project would not have been possible without it. He also thanked Gov. DeWine for his leadership, Ohio legislators for approving funding, and the project partners, including Cordogan Clark Lesko, Massillon Construction, Aultman Hospital, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and the Appalachian Children’s Coalition, for their work and attention to detail.

Ohio Sen. Al Landis, 31st District, and Ohio Rep. Jody Salvi presented proclamations and congratulations on the clinic’s opening. Robert Mullen, president and CEO of Aultman Health System, and Scott Robinson, president of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce, also shared remarks praising the project.

Sarah Reynolds, a senior at Tuscarawas Valley High School, welcomed guests, recognized dignitaries, and delivered closing remarks. Members of Boys with Ties and Girls with Pearls, an elementary student leadership club, greeted guests and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The health center is located at door six of the administrative building, near the football stadium, in the former industrial arts area. The space includes two separate reception areas, four exam rooms, two clinical counseling offices, a nursing station, lab, restrooms and office space.

The center is accepting new patients and appointments. For more information, call 330-859-1205. Aultman Orrville Hospital operates the facility under a lease agreement with the Tusky Valley Board of Education.

Also housed in the building are the Tusky Valley Senior Center, several businesses, and, soon, a new wellness center.