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School-Based Health Center opens at GMU
Bassett Healthcare Network and GMU logos with School-Based Health Center at GMU textBassett Healthcare Network has opened a new School-Based Health Center at Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, giving all PK-12 students the opportunity to receive quality healthcare with no out-of-pocket costs for families.

Bassett’s SBHC will be open at GMU every day school is in session during the 2020-2021 academic year. It also will be available on non-school days as parents, guardians or caregivers can connect with a provider or make an appointment at an open neighboring site by calling 844-255-7242.

“We are so excited to introduce this program into our community,” GMU Superintendent Annette Hammond said. “It takes a village to raise a child, and we have an incredible village.”

All GMU students are eligible to enroll for SBHC services, which includes primary care from pediatric nurse practitioner Tricia Kuhnau. Additionally, Bassett pediatrician and SBHC program co-director Dr. Kerri LeBlanc is available for consultation and will be on site 1-2 times per month.

Licensed mental health counselor Mario Molinaro is also part of GMU’s SBHC team, which will periodically provide preventive dental services, referrals, and individual and classroom oral-health education from a registered dental hygienist.

“We have an amazing team of individuals here in Gilbertsville-Mount Upton and in all the communities that SBHC serves,” said program co-director Dr. Chris Kjolhede, also a Bassett pediatrician. “They are dedicated to caring for these children and addressing their needs individually. It is our passion and shared commitment to improve the health of the population Bassett serves.”

The SBHC, which works closely with the school nurse, may become the primary source of healthcare for enrolled students. Children who already have healthcare providers also may enroll for SBHC services, which include annual physicals, immunizations, diagnosis/treatment for short- and long-term illnesses, mental health maintenance, preventative dental care, and general health education.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for services provided by the SBHC as health-insurance companies of students are billed directly. The SBHC can help students without health insurance enroll in the state’s Child Health Plus plan.

The SBHC at GMU is Bassett’s 21st in central New York and was funded by a grant and monies secured by Senator James Seward, as well as a generous contribution from the Clark Foundation.

“Our School-Based Health Center has come together with the support of many constituents,” Hammond said. “We are grateful to Bassett Healthcare Network for their partnership on this journey and also extend our true appreciation to the Clark Foundation and Senator James Seward. This program will be tremendously positive for our school district and rural area.”

For more information about Bassett’s School-Based Health Services, visit https://www.bassett.org/services/school-based-health-services online.

Posted 8/20/2020