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Wa-Hi Health Center Ribbon Cutting

The Health Center Board of Directors is planning a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at the new Walla Walla High School clinic Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. Tours of the facility will follow the brief ceremony. The new Walla Walla High School student-based health center opened the first day of school with a focus on mental health services. Significant funding for the expansion was made available through Walla Walla County. Funds were allocated from the county’s one-tenth of one percent of sales tax revenue which specifically called for the expansion of mental health services in the area. The $400,000 county allocation ensures services are in place at Walla Walla High School for at least the next five years.

The Health Center clinics provide no cost primary care, care coordination and behavioral health services focusing on mental health support. The Health Center clinics started operations in Walla Walla Public Schools in 2009 at Lincoln High School. Expansion continued at Blue Ridge Elementary in 2012. Pioneer Middle School opened in 2016.

Walla Walla Public Schools continues to emphasize the importance of social and emotional well-being, a key component of its new strategic plan. Superintendent Wade Smith has advocated for this expansion since assuming his duties in July 2016. 

“The Health Center services directly support the district’s new Strategic Plan as we further address the social and emotional needs of our students,” said Superintendent Wade Smith. “Issues like chronic absenteeism, mental health and lack of access to quality health care are embedded in the mission these school-based health centers.”

The Executive Director and The Health Center Board extends its heartfelt gratitude to Walla Walla County Commissioners Jim Johnson, Jim Duncan and Todd Kimball for recognizing the organization’s work and making it possible to reach even more students with these funds.

“We appreciate the support of the Walla Walla County Commissioners and are excited to provide quality services in support of these well documented mental health needs,” The Health Center Executive Director Stan Ledington said. “We know quality health care supports academic achievement and student success.” 

About the Health Center:

Since 2009, The Health Center has improved the academic and life success of nearly 1500 students across three campuses by providing on-site, no-cost, holistic physical and mental health care services. The Health Center was the first school-based health center to open in Eastern Washington and it remains the only one that operates as a non-profit organization. The Health Center's innovative model combines accessible physical care and mental health care as part of resilience-based, wrap-around services offered in concert with partner schools. This strategy is producing documented improvements in the academic and life success of participating students. To learn more about The Health Center or to DONATE, visitwww.thehealthcenterww.org

WALLA WALLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS • 364 South Park St. • Walla Walla, WA 99362 • Phone: 509-527-3000 • Fax: 509.529.7713

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