PAWS: Care that grows with your child
For many families, sports physicals are their first introduction to PAWS, but they’re only one part of the care available throughout the year.
Whether your child needs preventive care, treatment for an illness, help managing a chronic condition or behavioral health support, PAWS Community Adolescent Health Center provides comprehensive services designed specifically for adolescents and young adults.
Preventive care
Helping young people stay healthy starts with routine care and prevention. PAWS offers:
- Well-child exams
- MHSAA-approved sports physicals
- Camp physicals
- Vaccinations
- Health education and prevention counseling
Sick visits and ongoing care
When illness or injury happens, families can turn to PAWS for timely care, including:
- Treatment for illnesses such as strep throat
- Care for minor injuries
- Management of chronic conditions, including asthma and diabetes
- Basic laboratory testing
- Referrals for specialty care and imaging
For eligible patients, PAWS also provides confidential healthcare services as permitted under Michigan law, including STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, contraceptive services and limited counseling services for minors age 14 and older.
Supporting emotional wellness
Mental and behavioral health services are an important part of whole-person care.
PAWS includes a full-time Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who works alongside medical providers to help adolescents and young adults navigate concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, family conflict, peer relationships, adjustment challenges and other emotional wellness needs. Services may include counseling, care coordination and referrals to community resources when additional support is needed.
Behavioral health services are further expanded through the Enhancing, Expanding Emotional Health (E3) Program at Three Rivers Middle School. E3 provides school-based counseling, crisis intervention, support for anxiety and depression, bullying prevention, family support services and connections to community resources, helping students receive care in a familiar and supportive environment.
“Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and change,” says Atty Flood, LMSW. “By caring for both physical health and emotional well-being, we create a foundation that helps young people feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed.”
From annual wellness visits and sports physicals to counseling and chronic disease management, PAWS is committed to providing compassionate, coordinated care that helps young people stay healthy, thrive in school and build a strong foundation for lifelong wellness.
