Nov 1, 2024
Topic: Updates
Community Consolidated School District 21 on Monday held a grand opening for the District 21 Health Center, one of the only school-based health centers in the state of Illinois.
The center, a partnership between the district and Advocate Children’s Hospital, aims to bring health care directly to the school environment by providing comprehensive primary and preventative physical, mental and educational health services for children, adolescents and staff within the district.
“Access to quality health care is a cornerstone of student success,” said Dr. Michael Connolly, superintendent of CCSD21. “When our students are healthy physically, mentally and emotionally, they are better able to learn, grow and thrive. A student who is struggling with untreated health issues cannot focus in class, reach their full potential, or participate fully in the opportunities before them.”
Calling the health center a “lifeline” for the district’s students, Dr. Connolly said it will ensure they can access care “right here, where they spend much of their day…our students can now get the care they need, when they need it, and be back in the classroom, ready to learn.”
The construction of the 3,000-square-foot center, which is located on the first floor of the Community Service Center and Administrative Office, was made possible through $1 million in federal aid secured by U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, who also spoke during the ceremony.
“At the end of the day, it’s about community,” Schneider said. “It’s about all of us coming together and knowing our future is our children.”
Schneider added that the celebration was “more than a ribbon-cutting,” telling the audience “we’re celebrating a space, a place and a resource that is going to make a difference in the lives of our children. Everyone deserves to have the ability to see a doctor when they’re sick and get the preventative care they need so they can stay healthy. To make sure our kids are growing up healthy and strong in order to become competent, capable and happy adults.”
The ribbon-cutting also featured speeches from Debbi McAtee, president of the CCSD21 Board of Education – who called it a “game-changing moment” for the district; Mike Farrell, president of Advocate Children’s Hospital; and Dr. Julie Holland, vice president of primary care for Advocate Children’s Hospital.
Following the celebration, district administrators and Advocate staff led interested parties on a tour of the facility, which includes examination rooms, a child-friendly play-therapy room, an aromatherapy room, and a lab.
For more information about the District 21 Health Center, including the services provided and how to schedule an appointment, visit ccsd21.org/healthcenter.