BEND, OR -- Mosaic Community Health will open the Mountain View School-Based Health Center on May 1st. The modular building was moved onto the school's campus on Friday. Tamarra Harris, Mosaic’s Pediatric Clinic Manager tells KBND News the clinic is for children up to 18 years old, “We are actually a complete pediatric primary care clinic. We have behavioral health, we have mental health, and case managers. So, we really truly can treat all of the patients’ needs or refer out to more intensive services if needed.”
It has been a three-year effort with pandemic delays and cost estimate increases to get the building according to Harris, “We have the staff already hired and trained and ready to go. We’re going to start loading it and getting it ready and all the certifications and everything done to start providing services early May to all of the students in the community.”
This is the 6th school-based clinic in the region where students can get health services during the school day; reducing challenges such as cost, transportation, and inconvenience. “So, these services are right here. Easy access for staff, students, and parents to route their kiddos over for immediate services,” says Harris adding, “What is so special about school-based health centers, we allow anyone from birth to 18 to come. And so, parents don’t have to miss work to take them to the doctor, they don’t have to miss work. They can come in and get a well-check. They can come in for mental health support.”
The clinic will be open on May 1st; then operating Tuesdays through Fridays, from 8 am to 5 pm. It’s a partnership between Mosaic Community Health, Bend-La Pine Schools, and Deschutes County Health Services.
Mosaic, the school district, and community donations paid for the $700,000 project.
