LEO-CEDARVILLE – The Leo Elementary gym was packed with students cheering on their friends last Monday during the school’s annual talent show.Northwest Allen County Schools hopes to open its new health clinic at the end of the month, provided that construction wraps up in time.
The new clinic, open to everyone on the district’s health care plan, will be in a renovated former classroom in the Carroll Freshman Academy. The clinic will be open 12.5 hours a week, at least for the first six months, according to business manager Bill Mallers.
NACS board members approved an agreement Monday with Parkview Health, which will provide a doctor, medical assistant and wellness coach to the clinic. The three-year contract can be terminated by either party with 90 days’ notice.
School officials say the clinic will help the district save on health care costs, largely by encouraging preventive care and reducing future claims. The clinic will also lower lab fees and prescription drug fees.
NACS is the third district in Allen County to start a health care clinic. Fort Wayne Community Schools and Southwest Allen County Schools opened clinics earlier in the school year.
Mallers said the district will finance the clinic by paying $8,200 a month out of the district’s health insurance trust fund, which has always been used to cover claims. No employees will be forced to attend the clinic and employees will keep their regular health care plans, he said.
