Leesburg, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine visited the Fairfield Local School District in Highland County to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed Highland Health Partners Leesburg Family Medicine clinic. The school-based facility, located on the district’s K–12 campus, was built to serve students, staff, and the greater Leesburg community.
Investing in Health and Education
The clinic’s construction was made possible by more than $3.2 million in grant funding provided through Governor DeWine’s Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, which aims to reduce healthcare barriers in underserved regions. Partnering with Highland Health Partners, the new facility will offer primary care services directly on campus, ensuring more immediate access to medical support.
“This new clinic and Innovation Learning Lab will help set students up for success both physically and educationally,” said Governor DeWine. “By enhancing access to health care and workforce readiness, we are setting Ohio students up to achieve their God-given potential.”
Following the clinic ribbon cutting, Governor DeWine also toured the district’s new Innovation Learning Lab, a modern workforce development center designed to equip students with hands-on learning opportunities. This facility was also made possible through the same $3.2 million investment.
Wider Impact Across Appalachian Ohio
The Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative, launched under DeWine’s leadership, has awarded more than $64 million to 28 projects across 20 Appalachian counties, benefiting approximately 61,000 students and 375,000 residents. These projects include both health clinic developments and career-training programs focused on healthcare.
The initiative falls under the broader Appalachian Community Grant Program, a $500 million investment aimed at revitalizing Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region. The program, created in 2022 with support from the Ohio General Assembly, represents one of the most significant funding efforts in the state’s rural development history.
Governor DeWine’s visit emphasized the state’s commitment to closing healthcare gaps and preparing the next generation of Ohioans for meaningful careers.
