June 13, 1995

SCHOOL - BASED CLINIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS AWARDED

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- The Illinois Department of Public Health has awarded more than $1 million in grants to nine local health departments and social service agencies to assist in the development of school-based and school-linked health services.

"These health centers will promote life-long good health habits and offer a full range of physical and emotional adolescent health services," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "By providing medical care in or near schools, adolescents will be able to receive quality care that is easily accessible and eliminates problems of transportation, cost and school absences."

A wide range of health services will be available and may include treatment of minor illnesses; sports physicals; immunizations; vision, hearing and dental screening; drug and alcohol counseling; psychological support; and abstinence and sex education. Students who need services not available at the center will be referred to hospitals, private physicians, local health departments or other community resources equipped to handle the particular need.

The types of services offered will be decided locally. A parent or guardian will be required to sign a consent form for the student to access school health services.

The state grant money is designed to provide for the initial development and startup of the health centers. Additional funding will be available for the next four fiscal years, but the amount available will decrease each year as the centers become established and fully operational. The local health department or social service agency will need to secure other public or private funds to maintain the health center.

Following is a list of the organizations and the amount of funds they received:

Adams County Health Department

School linked; all schools $45,000

Aunt Martha's Youth Services Center

School linked; Chicago Heights elementary/middle schools $185,000

Cook County Department of Public Health

School-based; Morton East High School $40,000

East Side Health District

School linked; East St. Louis High School $150,000

Evanston Township High School

School-based $200,000

Livingston County Health Department

School-based; Pontiac High School $90,000

Ounce of Prevention Fund

School-linked; Beethoven Elementary School $100,000

Rock Island County Health Department

School-based; United Township High School (East Moline) $170,000

Vermilion County Health Department

School-based; Danville High School $60,000

TOTAL $1,040,000

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments