District, City Officials Celebrate the Grand Opening of The Clinic at Gideon
Dr. William R. Hite, superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, was joined by City Council President Darrell Clarke, Mayor Jim Kenney and community members at Edward Gideon Elementary School Friday for the grand opening of The Clinic at Gideon.
The Clinic provides primary and preventive care, behavioral healthcare and a comprehensive range of services in a convenient, inviting environment on school premises to children enrolled in Gideon, as well as James G. Blaine, Richard R. Wright, and William D. Kelley schools. Care will be provided to students regardless of insurance status and ability to pay.
“We want all of our students to attend school every day, on time, ready to learn. However, that is not possible if they are not healthy,” said Dr. Hite. “If students are battling a chronic health condition, feeling under the weather, or suffering from an acute illness or injury, they need to get appropriate care. So, as we mark the grand opening of The Clinic, we also highlight the commitment we are making to help support and improve our students’ physical, mental and behavioral health.”
Services provided at The Clinic include: the coordination of health services with students’ primary care providers; diagnosis and treatment of simple or acute illness or injury; first aid and treatment of minor injuries; well child exams; individual and family counseling as well as case management services; chronic care management, including for asthma or diabetes; nutrition counseling; care for common concerns like acne, weight and menstruation; health education; and immunizations.
“We’re proud that Gideon Elementary has provided expanded services and opportunities to students, families, and neighbors since becoming a Community School,” said Mayor Kenney. “The Clinic at Gideon means the school has yet another valuable resource that will benefit students at Gideon and from nearby schools as well. This health center is a shining example of what we can accomplish for children when we all work together.”
The Clinic is staffed by a skilled team that includes a nurse practitioner, nurse, clinical social work coordinator, school behavioral consultant, case manager, and family peer specialist.
Council President Clarke has long advocated for the need for more comprehensive services to be provided in the community.
“Four years ago, Mayor Kenney and I toured the Oyler School in Cincinnati and saw firsthand that when communities make the choice to fully embrace public schools, daunting challenges including generational poverty can be overcome,” said President Clarke (5th District.) “Today, we celebrate more than just the opening of Gideon Clinic, but a promise as well that all of our children deserve health and wellness, along with a great education. It is so gratifying to stand with our partners who worked tirelessly to make this day a reality, and to look forward to bringing more vital supports to community schools throughout Philadelphia.”
The Clinic is located at the school at 2817 W. Glenwood Ave. in Philadelphia and is open year-round during school hours, from 8 a.m. to 3:09 p.m.