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.
The motivation for establishing a school clinic was evident: school nurses faced excessive workloads, and office visits were too frequent. Consequently, students lacked consistent healthcare, often because parents had work obligations or lacked transportation. Furthermore, local clinics were excessively busy and unable to meet the community’s healthcare needs. Tara recognized the urgency for action.
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.
Launching the School Clinic was a collaborative effort. Tara consulted with other School Clinic founders for guidance. School nurses and local doctors collaborated to highlight the community advantages. Tara and her church prayed for the clinic’s success, hoping to reach the necessary visit numbers to remain operational. Thanks to the dedication of Tara and the entire team, they not only met their target but also served enough patients to cover expenses and provide funds back to the school in their initial year. This exemplifies the impact of community-based healthcare.
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.
Tara now sees 20-30 students daily, delivering excellent care within their school. More than just treating symptoms, she fosters relationships, observes their development, and offers reliable care that students depend on. This consistent presence allows students to build trust in her and know she will always be available.
Tara provides a wide range of healthcare services within the Benton County School System, from allergy and flu shots to sports physicals, well-checks, strep tests, and prescription refills. She serves students, staff, retired teachers, and even board members at the School Clinic. Utilizing telehealth technology, Tara extends her services to students in other district schools, ensuring consistent, high-quality care for all students through close collaboration with school nurses across the entire Benton County School System, regardless of their school location.
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 provides more than just care for sick children. Tara collaborates with mental health professionals to offer education on topics such as vaping, stress, and social media safety, assisting both parents and students in challenging times. She effectively combines the roles of healthcare provider, counselor, advocate, and supporter.
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!”
Thanks to Tara Roberts’ efforts, children in Benton County can prioritize both their education and their well-being. And that’s not just good. That’s extraordinary
