STAFF REPORT
It took more than a decade, but Hays CISD officials think it was worth the wait. Last week, the district hosted the grand opening of a permanent school-based health center – the Hays CISD WELL (Wellness Encouraged through Lifelong Learning) Clinic.
Previously housed in a portable building, the new 3,700-square-foot structure allows medical staff to see three times as many patients, which include students, their younger siblings and even their children.
The new facility houses nine exam rooms, a hearing testing room, sick waiting and well waiting areas, a vitals area, a nurses station, offices for providers, and work and storage space.
Most of the estimated 8,000 students who use the clinic are from low-income families. The clinic accepts Medicaid and CHiP insurance. Many of the students who come to the WELL Clinic use it as their primary healthcare provider.
Ruth Roberts, Director of Student Health Services for Hays CISD, said she hopes Hays CISD families who come to the WELL Clinic think of it as their medical home.
Board President Willie Tenorio said he is very excited about the new clinic.
“It’s very calm and welcoming. It’s not scary,” he said. “I’m just really pleased the St. David’s Foundation helped us complete the WELL Clinic.”
Roberts said the staff prefers that patients call for an appointment to avoid having people waiting too long. Same day appointments are sometimes available.
“We do everything a primary care provider does,” Roberts said. “Our goal is to keep them out of the emergency room.
The facility employs a registered nurse, two nurse practitioners and two front office staff. Dr. Michael Grady comes in several hours a week. Roberts said another goal is to hire a mental health professional.
Funding for the project came from as far away as Washington, D.C. and as close as Austin.
In 2011, with support from Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Hays CISD was awarded a half-million dollar federal grant from the United States Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to build the larger and permanent building.
St. David’s Foundation provided an additional $382,317 to help complete the project.
Doggett attended the ribbon cutting and spoke to the crowd of about 50 people including district officials, board members, WELL Clinic staff, community members and parents.
Following the facility tours and open house, Doggett spoke with the Hays Free Press about the clinic.
“I think it’s great. We have to have every child well and ready to learn,” he said. “This clinic has been doing good work, and this [larger building] will allow them to do even more. There’s a very dedicated staff here.”
Wellness Clinic Info
Summer hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
School year hours Monday 9:30 a.m.- 6 p.m., Tues-Fri 8-4:30 p.m.
Services offered: Well checks, immunizations, sports physicals, acute illness