By Amanda Smiles, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, West Tennessee Healthcare Henry County Hospital
When West Tennessee Healthcare’s Nurse Practitioner Tara Roberts first stepped into the world of public health, she had no idea the ripple effect she’d one day create. But now, thanks to her leadership, passion, and plenty of answered prayers, students in Benton County aren’t just going to school—they’re getting quality, consistent healthcare right inside it.
What started as a simple idea, sparked by Tara’s early inspiration from one of West Tennessee’s pioneer school clinics, became a fully functioning clinic that supports students and staff. Thanks to the support of the Director of Schools, local nurses and practitioners, and a well-timed grant, a simple classroom was transformed into an elaborate medical clinic, complete with two exam rooms and a lab.
The desire to provide efficient and cost-effective care had been brewing. Both the Benton County Board of Education and West Tennessee Medical Group recognized the need for accessible medical care for students and staff. With the support of Mark Florence, Benton County Director of Schools, that shared vision led to the official opening of the Benton County School Health Clinic in July 2022, with Tara Roberts at the helm as its Nurse Practitioner.
But why start a school clinic? The need was clear: school nurses were overwhelmed. Office visits were overflowing. Students weren’t getting consistent care because parents couldn’t leave work or didn’t have transportation. Not only that, but local clinics were busting at the seams with patients and couldn’t keep up with the demand. Tara knew something had to be done.
When opportunity came calling (literally!), Tara stepped up to the plate. She already had a heart for education since her husband is a teacher and coach in Benton County. This, plus the fact that her own child was ready to begin school, meant Tara felt a deep connection to the school system. The School Clinic gives her the opportunity to be on a similar schedule as her family while serving a population that’s close to her heart.
Getting the School Clinic off the ground wasn’t a solo mission. Tara worked with other School Clinic pioneers to get tips on how to get started. The school nurses and local physicians worked together to promote the benefits for the community. Tara prayed with her church and over the clinic in hopes that they would meet the minimum number of
visits to stay open. Through the tireless work of Tara and everyone involved, not only did they meet the mark, they served enough patients to cover their costs AND give money back to the school in their very first year. That’s the power of community care.
Since its opening, Tara has conducted approximately 3,000 patient visits each school year. She offers care for sick visits, minor injuries, physicals, vaccines, lab tests, and referrals for other services. Tara even initiated the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program at the clinic—an incredible resource for families who might otherwise struggle to afford immunizations. Her goal has always been to improve student health, reduce barriers to care, encourage preventive care, and support mental health by connecting families to resources and fostering collaboration between healthcare providers, educators, and parents. By integrating healthcare into the school environment, the clinic creates a supportive space where students can thrive both academically and physically.
Fast forward to today, Tara sees an average of 20-30 students per day. She’s in their building providing high-quality care. And she’s not just treating symptoms—she’s building relationships, watching kids grow, and providing consistent care that students trust. The students benefit from building a relationship with her and know that she’s always going to be there for them.
From allergy shots to sports physicals, well-checks to flu shots, strep throat tests to calling in a prescription, Tara’s there. Students, staff, retired teachers, and even board members come through her doors seeking treatment. For those who aren’t located in the building with the School Clinic, Tara uses the latest in medical telehealth technology to give exams to students in other schools within the district. Through close collaboration with the school nurses, students across all of the Benton County School System can receive the same quality of services regardless of which school they are in.
This type of convenient care has had a huge impact on students, families, and the school as a whole. We’re living through a statewide attendance crisis, and every day matters. Since the clinic opened, there’s been an encouraging improvement in student attendance, and that’s a WIN! When kids feel better, they come to school more consistently. And when they’re in school, they’re learning, growing, and connecting. The impact is clear: healthcare access helps keep kids in class. Not only that, but there’s been an improvement in teacher absentee rates. Teachers no longer have to take off an entire day of work to have labs done or see a provider for their prescription. Tara works with them on their schedule to get what they need so they can be in the classroom where they need to be, doing what they need to do.
Understandably, there were questions and concerns at first. Coming off the pandemic, some parents worried: What is this clinic doing at my child’s school? But Tara and her team made it clear: nothing happens without consent. Parents sign permission forms,
they’re called before a student is seen, and every step is communicated. That transparency has built deep trust. Parents have grown to love and appreciate the school clinic. Instead of missing work for multiple days to pick up a sick child, make an appointment, wait to see the doctor, finally get started on medication, and wait more for the symptoms to pass, Tara handles many of these steps in-house. Students can be seen quicker, and parents can get back to work sooner.
The School Clinic isn’t just about helping kids feel better when they’re sick. Tara works with mental health counselors to educate about vaping, stress, and social media safety, and helps parents and students navigate tough situations. She’s a healthcare provider, counselor, advocate, and cheerleader—all rolled into one.
Be the Good? Tara Roberts IS the Good. She’s not just improving lives—she’s transforming them. One exam, one conversation, one student at a time, Tara is rewriting the story of what school healthcare can be.
Lindsey Randolph, Director of Operations, West Tennessee Medical Group, says it best, “Tara’s dedication to the Benton County School Health Clinic has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment have transformed the clinic into a beacon of care for students, staff, and families. She is more than a nurse practitioner – she is a healer, an advocate, and a cornerstone of this community’s well-being. We are so proud to have her part of our West Tennessee Medical Group team!”
Because of her, kids in Benton County don’t have to choose between learning and being well—they get to have both. And that’s not just good. That’s extraordinary.