Benton Harbor High School Clinic Proposes Chicken Coop to Enhance Student Mental Health

The health service offers comprehensive healthcare to students aged three to 22. Jaskiewicz stated, "The Student Health Center serves any youth basically that walks in the door. We provide full medical care just like they would get at the main Intercare site. It’s the exact same care that they’re getting at the Student Health Center."

Students play a significant role in managing the clinic through a teen advisory council that meets weekly. This council assists in disseminating health information tailored to student needs, influenced by their feedback.

One initiative currently under consideration is the establishment of a chicken coop at the school to promote mental well-being. Jaskiewicz emphasized the importance of outdoor activities for mental health, explaining, "It creates a calming, hands-on outdoor activity that gets students away from screens. The purpose and the responsibility is that the students would care for the animals."

Jaskiewicz secured a grant aimed at enhancing outdoor features, including a garden and a planned memorial park, and originally included a chicken coop in her proposal. However, upon acquiring grant funding and purchasing necessary equipment, she discovered that chickens are not permitted in Benton Harbor.

To address this, she sought a specific exemption for the high school site, proposing a pilot program with detailed plans for coop management, animal care, and safety.

Commissioner Diedre Fields recognized the potential benefits of the proposal but noted that the committee could not advance the request due to a lack of quorum. She suggested referring the issue to the city Legislative Committee for further consideration. City Manager Alex Little expressed openness to exploring the request’s implications. The matter may be revisited by the city Legislative Committee or the full Benton Harbor City Commission.