Panama City, FL: District to partner with clinics for physical/mental health services

Jan 9, 2018, Panama City (FL) News Herald: PanCare, School district partner for health clinics in two schools http://www.newsherald.com/news/20180109/pancare-school-district-partner-for-health-clinics-in-two-schools Students at two schools will be able to connect with a local pediatrician remotely, through a television monitor and web camera. Students at two local elementary schools will have access to more comprehensive medical services through an agreement between Bay District Schools and PanCare of Florida. … Many students in the district, particularly those in these two elementary schools, carry the baggage of a stressful home life, Husfelt said. Pre-diabetes and early signs of obesity are common and, if not treated early, will be much more expensive to handle later on. While the Schools of Hope grant funding will run out in two years, Husfelt said he believes the state will see the value of these kinds of clinics in schools. “What we think is that models like this will show it’s cost effective to provide these kinds of services earlier than later,” Husfelt said. “If we can get a grip on trying to help these children before they get sick, it will pay off big time.” The program won’t just be limited to physical illness, and will include mental health services as well, as part of a wrap-around approach.