Lack of basic healthcare, especially for young children has quickly become an epidemic among elementary schools in the Springdale School District.  Harvey Jones Elementary decided to do something about it.

“We [Jones Elementary] applied for a grant through the Arkansas Department of Education and the Tobacco Excise Tax,” said Jones Elementary principal Melissa Fink.  “The grant will provide our school with about $0.5 million over three years.”

The health clinic, named Wellness Center at Jones Elementary, was needed to provide free healthcare to the many students who attend Jones Elementary who cannot afford to do so.

“96 percent of our students live under the poverty line, and 80 percent don’t speak English as a first language,” said Mrs. Fink. “It is difficult for these students to have access to medical attention because of lack of transportation, and simply not being able to afford it.”

The Wellness Center at Jones Elementary provides more than basic medical attention to those in need.

“Our staff can serve children who are sick, serve those dealing with chronic illness like diabetes and asthma, perform mandatory kindergarten screenings, as well as educate children and their parents about healthy living,” said Mrs. Fink.

The Wellness Center offers one more special feature to ensure they are addressing every possible need a child could have.

“The Wellness Center also has a full time counselor to help deal with simple things, all the way to mental illness,” said Mrs. Fink.

The community is reaching out in an effort to serve the students who need it the most.

“The Community Clinic provides a full-time nurse, and Ozark Guidance provides a full-time therapist.  We also have a full-time receptionist,” said Mrs. Fink.

The Wellness Center at Jones Elementary is reaching out to other students in need in Springdale.

“We are partnering with Alternative Learning Environment students and their families.  They will also be able to take advantage of the free healthcare,” said Mrs. Fink.

The Wellness Center at Jones Elementary is open to Jones Elementary students, as well as ALE students during school hours, as well as during the months of June and August, and is working to expand the number of ways to serve their students.

“Soon, the Wellness Center will be an immunization clinic so students will be able to get things like kindergarten shots and flu shots,” said Mrs. Fink.

The Wellness Center at Jones Elementary is providing basic, yet necessary healthcare to those who need it the most.

“Most of our students could not afford medical services otherwise.  We are out to change that,” said Mrs. Fink.