2025 Community Impact Grant Spotlight: HEALS, Inc.

Melissa Davison
Jun 3
2 min read

About HEALS

Health Establishments at Local Schools, (HEALS, Inc.) has been providing free, school-based pediatric medical, dental and optometry care to children living in poverty in Madison County since 1998. During that time, we have treated over 50,000 children. It is our mission to deliver accessible, quality, school-based care for children through collaborative efforts with the school system and the medical, dental and optometry communities.

By providing accessible school-based health care for economically disadvantaged children, we are helping break the cycle of poverty. Healthy children learn better at school and have lower delinquency rates. Children who have a medical home where they are nurtured and supported are more likely to succeed in school and in life. Children who receive positive attention and who are given ways to take positive control of their lives are more likely to exhibit better behavior in school and in the community.

Medical Care includes:

Well-child physical, immunizations, acute care for illness & injury, lab work
Dispensing sample medications & prescribing medications as needed
Education and management of chronic diseases -Asthma, diabetes, sickle cell, etc.
Collaboration with NOVA for ADHD diagnosis & treatment & mental health issues
Collaborative referral to other specialists such as: Dermatologist, Pulmonologist, Orthopedist, & Neurologist

Dental Care includes:

Comprehensive exam & cleaning every six months
Fluoride & sealants
One-on-one education on dental hygiene & “teeth healthy” snacks
Dental hygiene kits including full-sized toothpaste, floss & several toothbrushes
Needed restorative work – fillings (amalgam & composite), pulpotomies (child nerve treatments), extractions, spacers, lingual arches, & crowns
Orthodontic evaluations
Dental Screenings

Optometry Care includes:

Full eye exam, testing for acuity & ocular pressure
Visual field test
Check for eye disease including pink eye & corneal abrasions
Referral to outside specialist as needed
Prescription for glasses, if needed

Social Services are available to all Madison County citizens:

Assistance with insurance applications & notification before child's health insurance lapses
Assistance with locating household needs: food, clothing, utilities, & obtaining costly prescriptions

Our Clinics

Michael K Johnson Medical Clinic – Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary (medical, dental)

Morris Elementary (medical, optometry)

Michael L. O’Dell Clinic – Sonnie Hereford Elementary (medical)

Madison Cross Roads Elementary (medical, dental, optometry)

The Geraldine Bennett Clinic – Madison County Elementary (dental)

The Frank J. Williams Mobile Medical & Dental Clinic

HEALS received a $2,500 Community Impact Grant from MVP in 2025 to help purchase additional clinic supplies.