After officially opening its doors Aug. 7, the school-based health center at Falcon Elementary School held an open house Aug. 16.The health center is the first of its kind in Falcon School District 49. The districtís partner, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, has previously opened two other school-based health centers: one in Harrison School District 2 and the other in the Cripple Creek Victor School District.Although the center belongs to District 49, Peak Vista will provide the clinical care.Community members, parents and district staff attended the opening, and Peak Vista staff members provided tours and answered questions.The health center has a waiting area, two separate exam rooms and a triage area.Pam McManus, Peak Vista president and chief executive officer, said the center provides immunizations, vaccines, physicals and acute care for all students age 21 years and younger within the district.As of the date of the open house, the health center had seen about 50 students, McManus said.Most of the visits have been for physicals, said Curtis Birdno, physicianís assistant. He said the response from the community has been great. ìThey are glad something is out here close to the school so they donít have to drive into town,î Birdno said.Amber Athey, Peak Vista team manager, said one great feature of the health center is having its own entrance. ìStudents that are sick arenít herded through the school,î Athey said.ìWe are very appreciative of this opportunity, the school, the parents and the district,î McManus said.
