ATLANTA, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For many families, getting to a health appointment can mean navigating transportation challenges, limited provider availability and time away from work or school. School-based health centers offer another path by bringing care closer to students, in a place they already know and trust.

A new video from Peach State Health Plan, "The Power of Partnership," showcases how collaboration with the Georgia Primary Care Association (GPCA), schools and community partners is helping make that approach possible. The story is one example of the broader community impact featured in Peach State Health Plan's recent Community Impact Report.

The multi-year initiative was backed by a $1.1 million investment from Peach State Health Plan and the Centene Foundation. The funding supported 17 school-based health centers, including new and expanded facilities, behavioral health services, telehealth technology, medical and dental equipment, and additional healthcare professionals.

"By bringing healthcare directly into schools, we can prevent health challenges from becoming obstacles in a student's education and future," said Clyde White, President and CEO of Peach State Health Plan. "Our partnership with GPCA reflects what is possible when healthcare organizations, schools and community partners work together to address local needs and create solutions."

"The success of this initiative builds on the longstanding and trusted partnership between the Georgia Primary Care Association and Peach State Health Plan," said Duane Kavka, CEO of the Georgia Primary Care Association. "By continuing to innovate together, we are helping schools and community health centers bring essential services closer to Georgia's children and families."

Health centers reported an 83% increase in healthcare encounters, representing 4,278 additional medical, dental and behavioral health visits above baseline levels. Medical encounters increased by 75%, dental encounters increased by 91% and behavioral health encounters increased by 112%.

The results demonstrate how targeted community investment and locally driven partnerships can expand access care for students and bring critical resources closer to Georgia families.

Visit Peach State Health Plan's Supporting Georgia Communities page to watch the video, explore the 2025 Community Impact Report and learn more about the health plan's work throughout the state.

About Peach State Health Plan 
Peach State Health Plan is a care management organization that serves the needs of Georgians through a range of health insurance solutions. Peach State Health Plan serves the Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® population in partnership with Georgia Families. The organization also focuses on under-insured and uninsured individuals through its federal insurance marketplace plan, Ambetter, and its Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan. Peach State Health Plan is a Centene company, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information visit www.pshpgeorgia.com. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peach-state-health-plan-highlights-impact-of-school-based-health-centers-in-new-the-power-of-partnership-video-302906499.html

SOURCE Peach State Health Plan