For more information, contact Kim Papich, SRHD Public Information Officer, (509) 324-1539 

SPOKANE, Wash. – April 24, 2012 – Sunset Elementary School (Sunset) students have a brighter, healthier future on the horizon thanks to a communitywide effort to improve the health and wellness of youth in Spokane County. The first school-based health center in Spokane County opened its doors at Sunset in Airway Heights on April 17, 2012.

 
An opening celebration for Sunset School Health Center will occur this Friday, April 27, 2012, and will include speakers from supporting agencies, as well as tours of the center. Community members and media are invited to attend.
 
According to Spokane’s Healthy Youth Survey, one out of three youth have not had a routine health check-up or physical exam in the last year. Also of concern, youth who had not had a check-up in the last year were 1.7 times more likely to get poor grades than youth who had a health check-up in the past year.
 
“School health centers are a proven way to increase access to care, improve immunization rates, and even save money through reduced emergency room visits,” said David Bare, medical director at CHAS. “Success with Sunset School Health Center will allow for potential expansion of more centers.”
 
Health centers are also a known way to improve attendance; thus, benefits will be both health-related and academic. The center will be operated by CHAS and offer onsite primary care and limited dental care to all 450 Sunset students. If available, students’ insurance will be billed for services, and any student will be seen regardless of ability to pay.
 
Selected from a pool of seven interested schools, Sunset was chosen due to its significant health needs, lack of nearby medical care options, and strong support from school staff and community. There are nearly 2,000 school-based health centers nationally—Seattle boasts 14 school-based health centers.
 
The Sunset School Health Center is a culmination of efforts by School Health Care Association of Spokane County, Cheney Public Schools, the City of Airway Heights, Communities In Schools, Community Health Association of Spokane (CHAS) and Spokane Regional Health District. Key funders include Spokane County Medical Society, Empire Health Foundation, Inland Northwest Community Foundation’s Wasmer Fund for Children and Families, Providence Health & Services, and Nordstrom.
 

Directions to opening celebration:
In Airway Heights, head west on Hwy 2 and turn right on S. Lawson St. Sunset Elementary is located on the left. On-street parking is available surrounding the school.