Board gives ok to Lincoln health clinic

Board gives ok to Lincoln health clinic

With a clear understanding Walla Walla Public Schools will not fund or manage a school-based health center at Lincoln Alternative High School, board members last night voted to approve the concept of having an outside agency provide comprehensive primary and behavioral health services for Lincoln students.

Local physician Alison Kirby MD brought the idea of having a privately funded health center at Lincoln to the school board last school year. Since that visit a feasibility study was completed revealing these services are needed at Lincoln.

Walla Walla County Health Department coordinated study under the direction of Harvey Crowder MD and Holly Howard. The advisory group working to bring the school-based health center to Lincoln proposes offering comprehensive age appropriate physical, mental and dental health services beginning in the 2009-2010 academic year.

The center will be housed in close proximity to the current Lincoln Alternative High School campus. The group is now focused on raising funds and developing an operational plan for the center.