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Board Approves Space for Wellness Center at Buena Vista High School

A partnership between Omaha Public Schools, the YMCA and OneWorld Community Health Centers will offer expanded access to health and wellness services for the community.

The future Buena Vista High School, at 60th & L Streets, will utilize approximately 3,600 square feet of existing space for the Buena Vista High School Wellness Center. This special project will feature a YMCA Express and a OneWorld Community Health Centers clinic.

“The opportunity to welcome both the YMCA and OneWorld at Buena Vista High School reflects our commitment to the health and well-being of the young people we serve and our greater Omaha community,” said Dr. Cheryl Logan, Omaha Public Schools superintendent. 

The YMCA will operate the express center with cardio, strength training, free weights and virtual training. Along with serving the school community, YMCA members will also have access to the facility. The location provides a direct entrance, ensuring that YMCA members do not need to access any Omaha Public Schools spaces.

“Through this partnership, we are increasing access to both clinical and preventive health and wellness services,” said Chris Tointon, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Omaha. “This innovative, integrated approach shows how our team at the Y is using a health equity lens as we develop new programs and invest in communities.”

In addition to traditional fitness space, the YMCA hopes to add youth sports, youth development, exercise, nutrition, weight loss, and other programs. The district has also partnered with the YMCA for a facility within the new Westview High School at 156th and Ida, which is scheduled to open in August 2022.

The OneWorld School-Based Health Center will be located adjacent to the YMCA Express with a nurses’ station and behavior health services.

“OneWorld, together with Omaha Public Schools and the YMCA have a vision to inspire academic success through empowering young adults in their wellbeing,” said OneWorld CEO Andrea Skolkin. “We are excited about the potential within the generation that will attend the high school and assuring optimal opportunities for academic success and well-being which are inextricably tied together.”

Omaha Public Schools Board of Education approved design and construction plans for the special project during its meeting on Monday, May 17, 2021. The district will finance the approximately $1 million investment in constructing the space. Specifics of each partnership agreement will come before the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education at a future date. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2021 with the facility ready for use by August 2022.