CHANGE Inc. is now available at Indian Creek
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MINGO JUNCTION -- Indian Creek Local Schools has some extra assistance when it comes to health care with the addition of CHANGE Inc. at its buildings.
Licensed staff with CHANGE Inc.'s Family Medical Care School-Based Health Centers are onsite weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and work with school nurses and faculty when students need care. Nurse practitioner Jessica Valesko began working with the district Aug. 1 and spends Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Indian Creek High School and Tuesday and Thursday at Indian Creek Middle School.
"We are districtwide. If the elementary kids need something, they can make an appointment for treatment," she said. "Our goal is to make health care more convenient and more available to the student."
Valesko has been busy at both buildings and said her services augment what the school nurses handle, plus she can write prescriptions for families and conduct tests and treatments. She does bloodwork each month and said special pricing is offered on lab fair days with a complete panel for $40.
"It's nice because a lot of kids have a good pediatrician and support system but others don't and this service is good for the community. If I can be a bridge in the steppingstone of their health care, it's nice to get things done," she continued. "We're excited and hope everyone continues to utilize it."
CHANGE Inc. is involved in many area schools, including Brooke and Hancock counties, Steubenville City Schools and Toronto. Among the services the program offers are well-check exams, sick visits, injury treatment, immunizations, allergy shots, sports physicals, dental care and chronic health care maintenance for such conditions as diabetes, seizures and asthma. She said there was a need for counselors at schools to assist with behavioral health and the organization could provide those, as well.
Abby Andriano, who is a school nurse for the district, along with Emily Pietro, agreed that having Valesko on hand has made a big difference.
"It's wonderful. Jessie has helped make my transition to school nurse easier," Andriano added.
All children enrolled in the school-based health services program are eligible to receive service regardless of insurance status. For children insured by CHIP or Medicaid, the services are covered 100 percent. Most insurance plans are accepted. For information about CHANGE Inc. services, call (304) 797-7733 or go to changeinc.org. Appointments for the health center can be made by contacting ICHS at (740) 264-1163 or ICMS at (740) 282-0834.