SPOKANE, Wash. — Parents no longer need to pull their children out of school for routine medical appointments, thanks to on-site healthcare clinics operating directly inside some Spokane Public Schools high schools.
Ferris High School recently opened its CHAS Health clinic, joining three other district high schools that already offer on-site medical services. The clinics at Shadle Park, North Central, Rogers and now Ferris provide students with convenient access to healthcare without leaving campus.
“It’s really nice. We can check in more frequently and handle any kind of issue they would see the regular doctor for,” said Dr. Yvette Rosser of CHAS Health.
The on-campus clinics offer a full range of services to students with parental consent, including vaccinations, sports physicals, treatment for illnesses, and behavioral health support. Students can access care regardless of their insurance status.
Dr. Rosser emphasized the clinic’s ability to address time-sensitive needs for student athletes. “I see a lot of athletes who have, you know, volleyball starting in a couple of days so I can see them the same day so they don’t have to sit out on practice,” she said.
“We have all kinds of kids that have been accessing this. Some don’t have access to health care and other situations, that have been able to get healthcare here. But also for some it’s just the ease in the navigation of it. It’s just right here,” said John O’Dell, Ferris High School principal.
Junior Everest Benson appreciates the convenience. “There’s a lot of school that I’ve had to miss for medical appointments all around town. And so I think it’ll be really nice to be able to walk down the stairs and go here,” Benson said.
The Ferris clinic held its grand opening recently, though it has served students for several months. School staff report attendance rates have already improved since the clinic began operations, as students no longer miss class time for medical appointments.
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