School based health center opening in Kenton County | Health

FORT WRIGHT, KY (FOX19) - A new health tool became available to students this week – a School Based Health Center (SBHC) - located at River Ridge Elementary School. This first-time event in the Kenton County School District will be celebrated with a grand opening ceremony on January 23.

The SBHC will be open 16 hours a week and staffed by HealthPoint nurse practitioner Brandy Andrew. Services include physical exams, immunizations, and diagnosis and treatment of illness.

School-based health centers provide many advantages for students and their parents, including:

·         The nurse practitioner has the training and authority to diagnose illness and prescribe medication

·         Provides convenient, inexpensive care where children already spend most of their day

·         Overcomes problems of working parents, no transportation, and lack of health insurance

·         Reduces absenteeism due to illness

“The Kenton County School District is excited to partner with HealthPoint Family Care to offer onsite health care to our students. The SBHC offers another tool to keep our students healthy and in school” said Tracy Mann, Assistant Superintendent.

Paula Rust, KCSD School Health Services Coordinator, is equally pleased about the opening of the SBHC. “The SBHC is available to all students, not just those attending River Ridge. The services the nurse practitioner offers are invaluable. For example, she will assist in the management of chronic illnesses.”

HealthPoint Family Care also operates school-based health centers in the Covington, Erlanger-Elsmere, and Boone County school districts.