advertisement

Round Lake High School's Health and Wellness Center Opens

Round Lake High School's Health and Wellness Center will officially open on Tuesday, October 7. This school-based health center, at 800 N. High School Drive in Round Lake, is Lake County's first, and is one of 65 in Illinois. Made possible through a partnership among the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center, Round Lake Area School District 116, Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, Advocate Condell Medical Center, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Rosalind Franklin University Health System, and Vista Health System, the Center's goal is to improve the physical and emotional health of students attending the high school and to teach them life-long, positive health behaviors by providing quality, comprehensive primary healthcare.

The Center grew out of the Round Lake Area School District and a group of concerned citizens wanting to address growing healthcare needs and barriers to healthcare access. Of particular concern was the impact health issues were having on academic achievement.

"This center will be a great asset to the community by providing healthcare right where the students are," said Tony Beltran, the Health Department's Executive Director. "School-based health centers historically have helped children stay in school by identifying and addressing health problems that may affect their ability to learn."

Students will have access to a comprehensive range of medical and behavioral health services at the Center. The menu of services was determined by certification requirements established by the Illinois Department of Human Services, with input from the community through information sessions, community open houses, and surveys organized in 2012 and 2013. All students, regardless of their ability to pay, will be eligible for services. In order for students to be seen at the Center, a parent/guardian must sign a consent form.

"We are thrilled about the Center because school-based health centers are a major component of the nation's healthcare safety net," said Dr. Constance Collins, Superintendent of Round Lake Area Schools District 116. "They not only enable children with acute or chronic illnesses to attend school, but also improve their overall health and wellness."

The Center's staff is comprised of a nurse practitioner, a licensed clinical social worker, a certified substance abuse counselor and a medical assistant. A part-time psychiatrist will also be part of the team for consultation and medication management. The Center's hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The Center is a 1,180-square-foot newly constructed addition to the existing building. The construction was funded through a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County funded a feasibility study, planning grant and startup of operations. The Health Department is the primary healthcare provider in collaboration with local hospitals and social service agencies.

For more information, call: (847) 257-1200.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.