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Rainier still wants student health center

Monday, September 22, 2008 12:06 AM PDT

By Leila Summers
lsummers@tdn.com

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RAINIER - Rainier school officials are still searching for a medical partner to open a school-based health center this January.

Talks with PeaceHealth to staff the clinic fell through recently, said Rainier Superintendent Michael Carter. PeaceHealth, which operations St. John Medical Center, was the district's first choice as medical provider.

"This might shift the time line, but we don't know," Carter said. "I'd like to see it open in January, but as long as I see it open, I don't care."

School-based health clinics are increasing in Oregon. They are staffed by a physician or physician's assistant to provide basic medical care - including vaccinations, physical and sports exams and treatment for minor injuries/illnesses - at no charge to students.

The idea is that students learn better and miss less school when they're healthy. Most clinics partner with a medical provider to staff the facilities.

To entice a company to join Rainier's clinic, Carter secured $1 million in free advertising from Market Specific Media Inc. in Portland to offer a medical agency. The deal offers television ads for five years.

Carter said he plans to shop the incentive with other medical providers - including Legacy Hospitals, which operate a health clinic with St. Helens School District.

PeaceHealth officials told Carter they didn't have the staffing to take on the project at this time, he said.

As a last resort, the district will consider contracting with the Columbia County Health Department to hire a doctor, Carter said. That option, however, could cost more out of pocket.

Approximately 45 Oregon schools operate medical centers, including one at Lewis and Clark Elementary School in St. Helens.

Officials estimate that operating a "core" clinic 20 hours a week during the school year will cost about $90,000 year. The clinic will be next to the school board's meeting room on the Briarcliff campus.

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LongviewFam wrote on Sep 22, 2008 10:14 AM:

" I like the idea of providing medical care to those in need, but think that Rainier schools have a lot of other things that require their attention right now--like keeping students in school, graduating and keeping teachers in line. Seems like things are running amok over the river... "

columbian wrote on Sep 22, 2008 10:16 AM:

" Ever stop to think maybe no one wants to come to RAINIER because of all the unrest thats went on in the last few years.and the old story we dont have the money.theres other ways for students to recieve health care.they have a good nurse on duty.and the pills are locked up. "

duck wrote on Sep 22, 2008 11:09 AM:

" It's amazing how you all will just live in the past and remain focused on some unfortunate things. Here we have a great idea, and what do you know? Not one nice thing to say about it! Perhaps, LongviewFam, this clinic would help keep students in school, which in turn would help them graduate. However, I would like to check Rainier graduation rates against some Longview schools; it seems to me they struggle with that. There are many kids who have to miss school in Rainier, not just because they are sick or need to go to the doctor, but because their siblings are and they are responsible for them. Ever stop to think about that? And if they don't have health insurance, this clinic would allow them to get help when they need it for FREE, rather than waiting until it is sooo bad they must go to the emergency room, and have you pay for it. Have you ever wondered how many kids get kicked out of school a year because they don't have vaccinations? This would also solve that problem. So stop with the negativity and grow up. "

cate wrote on Sep 22, 2008 12:23 PM:

" Has anyone looked into Healthworks NW. They are in the house on Washington Way that used to be a Pizza Parlor. They offer clinic staff for industries. "

columbian wrote on Sep 22, 2008 10:37 PM:

" Duck you say we live in the past.thats the trouble the past is still there.ask anyone working there about how organized things at the school are.most of the help is new,and who do they turn to when they need help?theres no room there now for whats there.true health care is needed.but so is a lot of other things. "

dewey wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:27 AM:

" Why don't they just quit messing around and contact Planned Parenthood. That is what most of these NEA backed "Health Clinics" turn out to be anyway. "

columbian wrote on Sep 23, 2008 11:48 PM:

" DEWEY YOU ASK WHY THEY DONT TURN TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD? REASON, THE BOARD IS WAITING FOR MR.CARTER TO TELL THEM WHAT TO DO AS IT HAS BEEN ALL ALONG. "

shucksanstrawberries wrote on Sep 30, 2008 10:56 AM:

" Columbian, get over your personal beef with Carter. You have a personal agenda for Rainier school. Probably a religious agenda too. Some on the board think Planned Parenthood would be a great idea, but it doesn't reflect the wishes of the parents and the community. Listening to what Carter comes up with (which is his job) and deciding yes or no is what the board does. The options for a medical partner are fairly narrow, they are trying very hard to make this work. Any positive ideas or productive comments are more than welcome, I'm sure. "

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