Study supports school-based health center at Lincoln

Developing a privately funded school-based Health Center at Lincoln Alternative High School makes sense according to a study being conducted by the Walla Walla County Health Department.

A 31 member task force consisting of community members and school personnel have been meeting since May to study the issue. Parent, student and community survey results indicate access to health care services are needed and that a school-based health center would be widely used by students.

The study also includes visiting other school-based health centers and talking with health care professionals.

Study coordinator Holly Howard says Pendleton has two school health centers and Walla Walla is ready for its own.

"It's a good fit for Walla Walla because there is a huge demand for students having access to health care," Howard said. "Youth tend to fall through the cracks when it comes to health care."

Howard says the next steps include pursuing funding sources for the center. She said they are in the process of applying for a state grant and seeking out other funding options.