The goal of The Tiger Treatment Center (TTC) is to provide a comprehensive primary and preventative health care center, an integrated referral network, and educational programs through collaboration with the school district, the medical community, human service organizations and the community that improve student health, behavior and academic achievement.

The 1999 Community Health Needs Assessment revealed the growing need for accessible health care for adolescents in the Newport community. Working with several community partners, including Colby-Sawyer College, the Newport School District, Lake Sunapee Region Visiting Nurse Association, Sugar River Valley Technical Center, and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Service, NLH received a three-year grant in 2001 from the Endowment for Health to plan and open a school based health center in 2002 at Newport Middle High School (NMHS). The center, known as The Tiger Treatment Center, is staffed by providers from the Newport Health Center and sees middle and high school students every day during the school year.

TTC provides improved access to primary care and preventive care for adolescents. All students at NMHS are eligible to enroll at TTC. Each August families are sent information about the Center and the student enrollment and permission forms. Approximately 50% of the current student body is enrolled. The Center is licensed and bills Medicaid and private insurance. Reimbursement from all sources in FY03 was $19,000.

The Center allows students to seek care at the school-based health center without leaving school or waiting for provider appointments. The presence of the Center has also had the result of giving over 100 students a medical home at the Newport Health Center with the same provider they use at TTC.

The Advisory Board of TTC meets monthly and includes representatives from each of the founding partners, students, teachers, parents, the school nurse, the town health officer, the school police officer and a Newport area health care professional. The Board is seeking to recruit a representative from the town's revitalization committee, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and the Lion's club.

The school district's support of TTC has increased significantly since its opening in 2002. There is currently discussion at the school board of including financial support for TTC in the 2004-05 school budget. Community support is very evident in remarks made at community forums and recognition of TTC at Chamber of Commerce meetings.

TTC is staffed by a nurse practitioner and a medical assistant from Newport Health Center Monday through Friday 8 AM to noon. TTC is located in the nurse's office. In addition to providing health services to students, TTC services also include 3 mental health therapists who each have appointments one afternoon a week. Two of the therapists are from West Central Behavioral Health, and one therapist is in private practice. TTC also has a Sullivan County Commissioner's Grant to provide alcohol and substance abuse counseling for 20 hours a week. In addition, TTC refers students to the Community Alliance of Human Services for counseling.

Other TTC programs include: a weight loss and aerobics exercise program and an eating difficulties support group.

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