Chalmette High School's School Based Health Center moved into its new permanent facility at the front of the main campus last week, and a ribbon cutting marked the opening of the new addition to the campus. Louisiana Recovery Authority Executive Director Paul Rainwater was on hand to acknowledge the progress being made on the school campus.
"We are impressed with the tremendous partnership which has put this Health Center together for the students, and we are impressed with how St. Bernard is leading the way in recovery," said Rainwater.
Also on hand for the grand opening were US Congressman Charlie Melancon and representatives of two Foundations that contributed financially to the construction of the Center. Lowell Bonds, a Past International Director and Chair of the Katrina Committee, represented the Lions Club International Foundation, and Marsha Broussard, Director of School Health Connection, represented the Kellogg Foundation.
Bonds told the group in attendance that "Our gift from the Lions Club International Foundation represents gifts from Lions Club members from around the world who wanted to have a hand in rebuilding this vibrant community."
The Health Center, which is operated by Methodist Health Systems Foundation, has been open for two years and affords students the services of a physician, a psychiatrist, three nurse practitioners, a social worker, a nurse, a medical assistant and a Center coordinator. Dental services are also available on a periodic basis. There is no cost to the students or their families to use the services of the Center. The Center treats students for minor illnesses and injuries, provides immunizations along with the Greater New Orleans Immunization Network, completes physicals for school athletes, provides immunizations in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Immunization network, and makes referrals to private physicians for more serious concerns.
The Center has seen its student enrollment rate at CHS rise to over 95%. "We are one of the more active Centers in the state, but we are proactive in attempting to treat chronic illnesses of the students such as asthma and obesity," said Heather Surcouf, APRN and Center Manager. "Approximately 50 CHS students per day visit the Center for treatment, which means a parent does not have to leave work to have their child seen by a medical professional. In most cases the illnesses are minor and can be treated here. In every case, we touch base with the parent and do not hesitate to make the referral to the private physician if we are concerned that the illness may be more complicated or if it does not respond to typical treatments."
Just last spring, the Health Center was named one of the top 5 Centers in the state for its activity and services to students. The Chalmette High School, School Based Health Center is one of approximately 20 School Board Health Centers housed at school sites in the metro-New Orleans area.
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