District to further study Lincoln Health Center idea

School board members approved accepting a $20,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study and needs analysis to determine if a School Based Health Center is a good fit for Lincoln Alternative High School. The concept was presented by local physician Alison Kirby MD.

Kirby said statistics related to health care of youth living in our community are alarming. She said many students are under served or not receiving any health care services.

Kirby says her proposal would be funded by community sources and not paid for by the school district. Students would be able to receive medical attention, mental health services and substance abuse counseling should her idea become a reality at Lincoln.

Lincoln staff in attendance during last nights public work session stressed the need for a School Based Health Center.

Intervention Specialist Brooke Bouchey shared statistics from a recent self-reported student survey. Although the statistics show the students believe the school staff care about their needs, high percentages of students revealed they are participating in risky behavior and have limited contact with health care services.

Kirby said the feasibility study could take several months and that she would provide updates to the school board.