Ripley, West Virginia 25271 (304) 372-7341 Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of the Wellness Center? The Wellness Center’s purpose is to increase the educational success of students by assuring access to physical health services, promoting healthy lifestyles, and preventing serious illness.
The Wellness Center provides primary health care services. It is staffed by well-qualified health professionals who are experienced in working with young people. Basic nursing services, such as first aid, are available, without charge, to all students every day. Other services may require that a student be enrolled in the Wellness Center and, if under 18, have a signed parent consent form on file. Wellness Center services include:
The Wellness Center also provides services such as the Mobile Dental Clinic and the Asthma Van. Services offered by the Mobile Dental Clinic include:
Referrals for x-rays and additional work will be made to area dentists. If you would like, speak with the Care Coordinator at the Wellness Center and we can make any follow up appointments for you. Services utilized with our Mobile Dental Clinic will be billed to your insurance or Medicaid. If you are uninsured, there is a flat fee of $20 to be seen by the dentist. Services offered by the Asthma Van include:
All services offered through the asthma van are free. Students will be seen by a Respiratory Therapist.
This is up to the student. Obviously, if the student is very ill or injured, s/he should come during class. For minor problems such as to get a Band-Aid or Tylenol, we suggest they wait until after class. Other services, such as physical exams, can be scheduled for times when the student will not miss important subjects or tests. We believe it is important to teach students how to use services appropriately. Therefore, we encourage students to make appointments in advance as they would in the “real world.”
We will do everything possible to schedule or reschedule students so they do not miss important classes. Some students may have very serious health needs that will require consultation with the Provider. In these instances, it may be necessary to have a student miss an important class. We will encourage students to make appointments in advance so they can plan for missed work. Appointments can be made for before or after school, if needed. If there is ever a concern about a student missing class, please let us know.
Parental consent is required by law for most services of the Provider for students under 18 years of age. Students do not need parental consent to receive nursing services. The enrollment form that was sent home at the start of the school year requests parents to consent to treatment for their child. Additional forms are available in the Wellness Center.
The Wellness Center will be open during the hours below. At those times, the Care Coordinator and Provider will be available. Although every effort will be made to keep the center open during the posted hours, it may be necessary to close the center occasionally due to meetings, conferences, or staff shortages Monday – Friday 7:45am to 4:15pm
Nursing services are free to students. Primary care services will be billed to third party insurers when available by Wirt County Health Services Association, Inc. Depending on household income level, parents may apply for the sliding fee program to see if they qualify for discounted services. In general, families with income below 200% of the federal poverty level will have a reduced charge. Many health needs including immunizations, exams, and some medications, can be provided for a small fee to students if they meet certain income guidelines. Parents will be billed for co-pays. No student will be denied treatment due to his or her parent’s inability to pay. If you have a family doctor, you can still use the Wellness Center. You may find it convenient for your child to get medical care if they get sick or injured at school. Or you may want your child to be able to use the Mobile Dental Clinic, Asthma Van, or health education services offered through the Wellness Center. When we complete a physical exam or provide immunizations, we can send the results to your family doctor upon your request. This service is not meant to replace your family doctor, it is meant to compliment the services your family doctor provides and to help students who do not have a family doctor.
Yes. The Wellness Center services are listed on the consent form and are boxes for you to check for services you wish for your child to receive. Wellness Center staff will check your consent from before they see your child and will know which restrictions you have placed on your consent. Parents are always encouraged to contact the Wellness Center staff with questions or concerns and are welcome to accompany children to their appointment.
Yes, the Provider is qualified to see adults. For services of the Provider, school personnel will need to register as patients of the Wellness Center and their insurance will be billed, as in any doctor’s office. Nursing services, such as blood pressure checks, will be available to staff without charge.
Some over-the-counter medications will be available but only to students who are enrolled in the Wellness Center and for whom we have signed parental consent.
It is not necessary, but it may reduce the wait if the student makes an appointment.
The Wellness Center is staffed by a Care Coordinator and a Physicians Assistant - Certified. The medical director is a board-certified family practice physician. The staff of the Wellness Center is:
The Jackson County Schools Wellness Center is partially funded through the Sisters of Saint Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation of Wheeling, West Virginia and WV DHHR.
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