School based health center proves asset to community

CORDELE, Ga. — When a child is sick it can really take a toll on the parent as well. Oftentimes the parent will have to take at least one day off work, depending on how sick the child is. That is lost time and lost wages. 

One South Georgia school is doing its part to help take some of that burden off parents and keep students from missing necessary instruction if possible.

Since the implementation of the school based health center, Crisp County Primary School has the ability to assess children on campus.

“We have a school nurse who gives medications and assesses children for minor injuries,” said Lori Hobbs, nurse practitioner for the clinic. “We primarily provide care for children who do not have a primary care physician or for children whose parents do not have transportation to the school.”

All parents have the option to allow their child to be seen at the school as opposed to missing work to meet with a doctor on short notice. Parents can be at the clinic with their child or allowed them to be seen and sent back to class unless further care is necessary. 

Hobbs said there are still cases where the child would have to be sent home such as testing positive for flu or strep throat.