Springfield eyes health clinics in schools

Medical clinics could soon open at the middle and high schools to serve students who aren’t regularly visiting the doctor.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100624/NEWS02/706249917/1003/NEWS02       # # # #  Springfield eyes health clinics in schools  •  Rutland Herald  •  By JOSH O’GORMAN STAFF WRITER - Published: June 24, 2010  •  SPRINGFIELD — Medical clinics could soon open at the middle and high schools to serve students who aren’t regularly visiting the doctor.  •  Monday night, Dr. Steve Reville, chief medical officer for Springfield Medical Care Systems, approached the School Board for support to open clinics at the schools. While most elementary-age children are getting their regular checkups, the town’s teenage population is not, Reville said.  •  “The only time we see these kids is when they need to get physicals for sports,” Reville said. “There is an acute need for doctors at the middle school and the high school.”  •  Reville proposed having clinic staff at the high school for three half-days a week, and one half-day a week at the middle school. The proposal received broad support from board members and administrators.  •  “I think it’s a great idea because the students won’t have to leave school,” said Bob Thibault, who will take over as high principal in July. Reville noted one of the major barriers to teens getting to the doctor is simply lack of transportation, as many parents work out of town or have jobs that don’t allow them to leave.  •  “I personally think this is a phenomenal opportunity,” said board member Ken Vandenburgh. “Anytime we can have a physician onsite is an opportunity.”  •  While questions of where the clinics would be located in the schools went unanswered, Reville answered the chief question of who would pay for it, and it won’t be the Springfield School District. The recent health care overhaul provides grant money for federally designated health clinics such as SMCS.  •  “If we can have doctors without raising property taxes, I’m all for it,” Vandenburgh said.  •  The board voted unanimously to direct administrators to work with SMCS to bring the clinics to the schools.  •