Shown are representatives of Lutheran Health Network, KCH, Mentone Family Practice and Tippecanoe Valley Schools at the announcement of a 10-year partnership between the school corporation and the health network.

MENTONE — During the Mentone Egg Festival, just before the parade started Saturday, June 3, Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation and Lutheran Health Network Kosciusko Community Hospital announced they are entering into a 10-year partnership to help advance wellness-based programs and services throughout the school corporation and the community.

According to Kirk Ray, president and CEO, this is the lastest collaboration the health network is participating in. The first was Warsaw Community School Corporation and then with Grace College. “We really feel this area is important,” he said. “We had phenomenal meetings with Tippy Valley (representatives) to assess the needs and wish list.”

The partnership, which officially begins today, June 3, will focus on the needs of all K-12 students, staff and the communities TVSC serves in two primary areas; mental health/wellness and physical health/wellness.

Initiatives derived from the partnership will be centered on the theme, “Partners in Wellness, Strength in Community.” The partnership will allow TVSC priority access to many of the programs and services provided by Lutheran Health Network KCH.

A committee comprised of members from both organizations was formed to assess the current needs of the school corporation. Immediate plans are to upgrade the playground areas at Burket Educational Center and Mentone Elementary School and to bring the Student Assistance Program to all TVSC schools.

The Student Assistance Program was created to provide Tippecanoe Valley High School students two free pre-paid sessions of counseling at a Bowen Center outpatient location.

“We also hope to pursue the possibility of an on-site health clinic that will benefit TVSC employees and possibly partners within the community. Enhancing the Valley Strong strength and conditioning program is another area of need,” said Brett Boggs, TVSC superintendent.

The school corporation also hopes to provide through the partnership additional work and career-based experiences for students in the medical field and more education on nutrition and healthy eating.

Ray explained those work based experiences could be internships. He also said recently 400 elementary school children toured Kosciusko Community Hospital.

“As we continue to grow our partnerships with area schools, we look forward to working with Tippecanoe Valley Schools through this long-term relationship. We anticipate providing health education opportunities and enhancing health care services for both the school system and community, said Ray.

TVSC will also be bringing additional site-based counseling services to its schools through the partnership to assist in meeting an ever growing need focused on mental health and wellness.

“The Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation is pleased to form this partnership with Lutheran/KCH. The partnership promises to benefit our students, staff and the community for many years to come,” said Boggs.