The Vine School Health Center is celebrating a milestone of compassion and commitment: 30 years of providing accessible high-quality health care to Knox County students and families.
Established in 1995, the center is a collaboration between the College of Nursing and Knox County Schools. The school-based, nurse-managed clinic provides care directly where students learn, helping reduce absenteeism and supporting academic success. VSHC offers preventive care, chronic disease management, and health education to children from birth to 21 years, empowering students and families to take charge of their well-being. By addressing health needs early and consistently, nurse-managed clinics play a vital role in creating healthier school communities.
“For three decades, the Vine School Health Center has been more than a clinic—it has been a place where students receive the care they need to learn, grow, and succeed,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the College of Nursing. “We’re incredibly proud of the lives we’ve touched and the barriers to care we’ve helped remove.”
Over the past 30 years, the center, housed in Knoxville’s Vine Middle Magnet School, has served more than 31,005 patients. It continues to play a critical role in promoting health equity and student success.
“The connection between health and learning is undeniable,” said Jeanne Jenkins, associate dean of practice and global affairs. “When students are healthy, they’re more likely to stay in school, attend regularly, and thrive both academically and personally. The Vine School Health Center helps make that possible every day.”
To mark the occasion, the center will host a 30th anniversary open house from 2 to 5 p.m. on November 4. The public will be invited to tour the facility, learn more about its services, and celebrate the legacy of partnerships that have made this work possible.
The event will include remarks from community leaders, a look back at key moments in the center’s history, and a glimpse into plans for the future.
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CONTACT:
Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])