Health Center Provides Services for Wyandotte Youth

Despite its name, the Taylor Teen Health Center isn’t just for Taylor teens.

In fact, the center provides an array of health services that are available to the younger residents of the entire Downriver area.

In order to reach a bigger area, Oakwood Healthcare System has moved the offices and clinical operations of its Taylor Teen Health Center from a former location on Eureka Road in Taylor to its current location at 19275 North Line Road in Southgate. The site is located within the Downriver Guidance Center complex.

Director Jeff Cook said the more centralized location should make it easier for teens living in Wyandotte to receive treatment.

The mission of the center is to “positively impact the health of adolescents and young adults in partnership with them and their families, schools and communities.”  

A qualified staff provides health services to youth age 10 to 21 and special education students through ages 26. Cook said patients do not need health insurance to receive services.

“We have a sliding-rate scale based on income,” he said.

Services at the center are covered by most health insurances for those with coverage. In addition, the staff is available to assist families in applying for Medicaid programs such as MiChild, Plan First and healthy child programs.

Services available include primary health care, health education, family planning and counseling.

Primary health care includes school, sports or work physicals; diagnosis and treatment of routine illness and injury; immunizations including Hepatitis B; pap smears and pelvic exams; HIV testing/counseling and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.

The family planning program includes general health assessment, information on all contraceptive choices including abstinence, contraceptive methods, pregnancy testing and referral for pre-natal care. No abortions or abortion referrals are provided.

Counseling services include individual and family counseling, substance abuse prevention, referrals, crisis intervention, anger management and other group counseling.

Health education consists of after school and summer youth programs.

Staff members also are available to visit schools, community, religious, professional and parent groups to make presentations on topics such as alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention, adolescent development, parenting, nutrition, pregnancy prevention and other health topics.

Cook says the center sees thousands of patients each year with increasing numbers of new patients.

“We have a teen-friendly atmosphere and a very dedicated staff who provide excellent care,” he said.

Jamie Balavitch, lead substance abuse prevention counselor, said the center serves as a “haven” for teens.

“Kids can come here knowing they will not be judged,” she said. “They can receive health care and counseling in a completely confidential atmosphere.”

The Taylor Teen Health Center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays.

The health center is funded in part by the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Michigan Department of Education, the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, Title X and other foundations, donors and individuals.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 734-287-2076 or visit the center's website.