The public is invited
to learn more about the school-based health center proposed for the Astoria
School District at a series of community meetings beginning later this
month.
The meetings will be
held Jan. 30, Feb. 26 and March 21. All the meetings will take place at the
Astoria High School auditorium from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Organizers will
provide information as well as take feedback and answer questions.
The health center
project is a joint effort of the Astoria School District, Coastal Family Health
Center (CFHC) and the Clatsop County Public Health Department. Its goal is to
provide easier access to health care for district students.
Currently there are
more than 60 school-based health centers in Oregon, and 1,800 nationwide. They
provide services including routine physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of
acute and chronic illness, treatment of minor injuries, vision, dental and blood
pressure screenings, immunizations and health education.
Data show that
school-based health centers, by providing convenient access to health services,
help decrease student absenteeism, reduce unnecessary and costly emergency room
visits, and ensure quality and cost-effective care for children and adolescents.
Improving access to healthcare also launches youth on a path of wellness and
prevention that can pay life-long dividends.
The planning efforts
are supported in part by a $60,000 state grant received by the county in 2012
and directed by a steering committee representing the school district, Public
Health, CFHC and other entities, as well as AHS students.
Through the public
meetings, organizers hope to find out the level of community support, take
questions the public has about the project, and hear about services people would
like to see provided.
No comments:
Post a Comment