| April is School-Based Health Awareness Month and this year marks the 20th anniversary of School-Based Health Centers operating in West Virginia.
Minnie Hamilton Health System opened the Calhoun School-Based Health Clinic in 1995 and the Gilmer County School-Based Health Clinic in 2000. Since opening, both clinics have been treating both students and school staff with everyday medical issues.
During the 2012-2013 school year, Calhoun had 1,103 students enrolled in School-Based Health and had 2,373 visits to the clinic by students and staff. Gilmer had 760 students enrolled and had 872 visits by students and staff in the same year.
The success of the School-Based Health Clinics in both Calhoun and Gilmer Counties is due to the dedicated and caring healthcare providers and School-Based Health staff. (Above L-R) Dr. Cathy Jones, Lisa "Shelley" Cottrill FNP-BC, Shalee Nottingham Behavioral Health, Stacey Starcher Clinic Coordinator, Melanie Wilson PA-C, Paula King MA, and Stephanie Williams LPN. (Not pictured Janie Knotts PA-C and Natasha Hoskins LPN)
In honor of School-Based Health Awareness Month, Minnie Hamilton Health System would like to share some testimonials from parents, staff, and students of the Calhoun and Gilmer School-Based Health Clinics.
"School-Based Health is very convenient for my family. Sometimes it's hard for us to get appointments after school. This makes it easy for all of us. My children feel very comfortable coming into your offices at Calhoun High School and Arnoldsburg Elementary School. My children have been seen in your offices for the past 8 years. And the staff is always great about sending home literature with my children. We really appreciate all MHHS School-Based Health has done for our children." - Jim Helmick and Dawn Burris.
"As a parent I feel that SBH is a great asset to the school system. It provides working parents with the opportunity to have their children seen without having to miss work time. The care that my daughter has received at SBH has always been exceptional. The staff is friendly, kind and keeps me well informed. A big thanks to all of the staff that care for the students on a daily basis." - Mother of PHE Student.
"It is a great pleasure to work hand in hand with School-Based Health staff to provide care for our students. They are always willing to go above and beyond to make sure that the students' needs are met. We are very fortunate to have SBH available to our students; it can help reduce missed instructional days by providing the students an opportunity to see a health care provider right at school. There is a great working relationship between myself as the County School Nurse and SBH, we work as a collaborative team to enhance student health and overall student well being." - Trudi Anderson, RN BSN CSN, Calhoun County School Nurse.
"I would like to say that as a working parent (teacher) it helps to know that I can sign my children up (CHS & AES) for an appointment instead of having to take off work to take them to the doctor.
Also, not too long ago I myself took ill and the SBH assessed my condition and took care of me until the ambulance arrived. Their care was awesome! I think this is the best idea for our schools." - Tammey Webb.
"School-Based Health is a very beneficial program. The staff is awesome!" - Sandra Luzader>
"Did you fix the table? I like it when you flush the earwax out of my ears." - Pre-K student.
"I like that the staff in the clinic is really nice and try to help you the best they can." - 12th grade student.
"It is helpful to have the kids seen without taking them out of school." - Sabrina Anglin.
"I like that it has 2 rooms. They take care of me when I am sick and they call my mommy." - 2nd grade student.
"I like the clinic because it's in the school building and everyone is always nice." - 9th grade student.
"I live in Normantown and like that students can be seen in school, when they have a problem instead of waiting to be picked up. Medication is called in and is ready to be picked up at the pharmacy by the time I arrive to get my child." - Julie Roberts.
"If you are sick you can come to the clinic." - 4th grade student.
Minnie Hamilton Health System would like to sincerely thank all of the parents, students, and staff who utilize and support our School-Based Health Clinics.
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