Grand Junction's New High School Clinic Has a Surprising History

Back in 2023, Grand Junction watched as the new $145 million high school campus was completed, and at the time, it did not seem like the anticipated Tiger Health Center would be a part of it.

The D51 Board voted 3-2 to reject it in March of that year, and then three months later, the Tiger Wellness Center was suddenly approved. When the new high school building opened in 2024, the center was inside, providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services to students. How did it all change? It's still not clear.

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D51 Rejected the Health Center, Then Reversed Course

the new Grand Junction High School — TSM GJ W Adams

The March 2023 vote declined to approve the health center due to concerns over parental rights and student access to services. However, by June of that year, D51 voted 5-0 to add an integrated health center to the new Grand Junction High School. The district asked for proposals and selected Marillac Health, the operator from the original proposal.

The Health Center Actually Opened

Inside Grand Junction High School, the Tiger Wellness Center is a 1,400-square-foot facility. Today, it's operated by Prime Health+, following Marillac Health's name change, and remains specifically for GJHS students and staff. Students can receive care for illnesses, immunizations, sports physicals, dental services, behavioral health, mental health counseling, and help with chronic conditions.

What Are the Rules in 2026?

This is where the old debate gets especially relevant. The Tiger Wellness Center requires patients to be students enrolled at GJHS. Enrollment at the health center requires signed consent paperwork, and most services for students under 18 require parental consent. Health information is protected under HIPAA and only released to school personnel with required consent.

What's something you remember about the "nurse's office" at your high school? Mine sure did not have a dentist's chair.

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Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Source: Why Was Grand Junction’s New School Health Center So Controversial

Filed Under: District 51, Grand Junction Colorado

Categories: Local News, Colorado News