Hayward elementary to be new site for clinic
On Thursday, July 14, 2011, the Health Department received a federal grant award of $500,000 to build a third school-based health clinic at Hayward Elementary on the west side of Sioux Falls.
"With the success we have shared with the Sioux Falls School District in partnering and providing increased access to medical and dental care for school children, families, and community members at our two previous sites, Hawthorne and Terry Redlin Elementary Schools, we could not be more pleased with this announcement," said Jill Franken, Public Health Director.
Also, from Pam Homan, Superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District, "Since the spring of 2008 when the Sioux Falls School District and Falls Community Health implemented the first school-based health center, hundreds of children have benefited from having access to health care at school. Children who are healthy and in school.
Every day are able to learn and succeed. We are excited to receive funds to expand our partnership with Falls Community Health to include a school-based health center at Hayward Elementary."
Hayward Elementary has children from a variety of home environments, levels of financial resources, and language barriers that help paint a picture of need in this area for enhanced access to health care. Additionally, barriers such as transportation and isolation from other health systems demonstrate the need in this area for a community clinic that provides full primary care services.
Funding from this grant will be utilized to construct and equip a new, permanent structure adjacent to the elementary school that includes two exam rooms and two dental suites. Completion date for the project will be June 2013.
by Tim Peters - KSFY
