Health Establishments at Local Schools (HEALS, Inc.) provides free, school-based pediatric medical and dental care to local children.

HEALS Medical Clinics

HEALS (Health Establishments at Local Schools), Inc., was incorporated in October 1998, and was a pioneer in bringing the concept of school-based health clinics to Huntsville and Madison County, Alabama. 

Opening in January 1999, HEALS’ first clinic made health care available for all Lincoln Elementary School students and their families. A second HEALS medical clinic opened at Terry Heights Elementary School in August 2001.

In January 2002, the death of a kindergartener due to undiagnosed Meningitis prompted Barbara Johnson, the school principal at West Huntsville Elementary School, to approach HEALS about opening a clinic at her school. HEALS opened its third medical clinic at this school in December 2003.  The clinic became a medical home for students from two public housing developments, a shelter for homeless women and their children, and a shelter for battered women.

Owing to the growth of the agency and the growing need for access to health care within the community, a fourth clinic opened at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in April 2006.

In August 2009, after consolidation of West Huntsville and Terry Heights, the medical clinics relocated to University Place and Morris Elementary Schools.  One year later, in August 2010, Martin Luther King and Lincoln Elementary Schools consolidate and the clinic remained at MLK.

In 2009, a group of committed community members requested a HEALS clinic at the Madison Crossroads Elementary School. The school is located in Toney, AL, one of the most impoverished areas of Madison County. 

HEALS Medical Clinic locations

HEALS Dental Clinic

In August 2000, HEALS’ Dental Clinic made oral health care available for some of the community’s most vulnerable children.  HEALS school-based dental clinic program is a model on which new clinics across the country base their programs. The Center for Health and Health Care has recognized HEALS as a model that brings dental care to children who might otherwise never receive it.

The Dental Clinic is located in a portable building behind Martin Luther King Elementary School and is available for the eligible children and siblings our the site schools. Parents are notified that their child has a dental appointment and that they will be transported to and from the Dental Clinic.

In addition to providing dental care to the students attending site schools, HEALS’ referral system also provides access to dental services for any eligible student in Madison County.

HEALS Dental Clinic location

HEALS Mission and Services

Learn more about the HEALS mission and the services provided to families.

HEALS Board and Staff

HEALS Board of Directors. The agency has a committed Board of Directors working to maintain and expand the financial and strategic goals of the organization.

HEALS Staff. The HEALS clinics are staffed with a combination of paid and volunteer staff, including nurse physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and social service providers. 

Frequently Asked Questions