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GREENBURGH, N.Y. The Greenburgh Health Center is in talks with Woodlands High/Middle School to open a clinic at the school.
The new clinic would offer a way for students to be treated for acute and chronic illnesses ranging from the flu to diabetes, and would take care of physicals, sight and dental problems.
"We think this is a very important benefit for the students at Woodlands and for their working parents," said Vikki Simmons of the Greenburgh Health Center. "A healthy child is a child that's more able to learn in school."
As the two parties attempt to sort out the details, the main issue is where to place the clinic in the Woodlands High/Middle School. At the moment, said Lloyd Newland, the building lacks a space big enough to accommodate a health center.
"I think it's a good idea, it's good for the kids," said Newland, vice-president of the Greenburgh Central 7's Board of Education. "But one of the problems is that we're working out the space. That's the problem. That's a process. Space is limited, but we're trying to squeeze something out."
The clinic will be funded through the Affordable Care Act that gave $200 million to New York State to establish school-based health centers. The students would be enrolled in a government health plan to use the clinic's services. Simmons said that she requires the commitment from Woodlands before she can proceed with the grant application.
"I think it's going to be a good thing," said Deborah Campbell, a member of the Board of Education and mother to two GC7 students. "It's not to take the place of a pediatrician, but it's good that it will be right there to give the children the types of services that they need. It's that extra something. I think it's a good idea for the students."
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