Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Aug. 23.
In an effort to address the physical and mental health needs of local students and their families, Mercy Fort Smith and the Western Arkansas Guidance and Counseling Center have teamed up on a health center based at Fort Smith Public Schools.
Mercy Clinic Family Medicine - North H Street is located between Darby Middle School and Tilles Elementary School and will serve students in the Fort Smith Public School District and their families along with the district’s staff members.
The school-based health center will provide physical health services as well as prevention and wellness education through Mercy Clinic. Emotional and mental health services will be provided by the Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center.
Heather Erwin, advanced practice nurse with Mercy Clinic, will provide care at the clinic, along with physician collaborator Dr. Kendall Wagner. Erwin, along with Medical Assistant Kaitlyn Grissman and Patient Service Representative Samira Black, saw the first patient at the clinic on Wednesday, Aug. 4.
Darby and Tilles family members residing with the student as well as school staff and their families are eligible for services through the center. Students can use any service at the center after a parent or guardian completes and signs the registration forms.
Plans for the school-based health center were developed in 2020 and supported by a grant from the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, school officials said.
“We are very excited about serving students, staff and families,” said Kerri Tucker, school-based health center coordinator with Fort Smith Public Schools. “All three partners will be working together on a shared goal. We want a healthy school community so students are successful in the classroom and beyond.”
Original source can be found here.
Source: Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce
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