JOHN DAY – There’s another health care option now for Grant County school-age students.

A new school-based health center was unveiled at an open house May 7.

While located at Grant Union Junior-Senior High School, the facility is open to all Grant County elementary through high school-aged students and school faculty and staff members.

Several of the Grant County Health Department medical staff were on hand to give tours of the on-campus office and answer questions.

Registered nurse Lindsay Maghan is the school-based health center coordinator.

She said Karen Triplett, family nurse practitioner for the Health Department, will see patients at the school facility for primary care services.

The new office includes a waiting room, an exam room, and a multipurpose exam room which includes dental and behavioral health services – limited dental services will be available in the 2016-17 school year. There is also a bathroom and a room for storing vaccinations.

“Our goal is to work in partnership in the school and with families to provide comprehensive health services regardless of ability to pay,” Maghan said.

She said having a center on campus helps reduce student and school staff absences – “studies show an increase in school performance for students.”

The center is located on the north side of Grant Union’s main building, near the modular classrooms.

Maghan said the center also will make it possible to apply for grants for projects such as a planned anti-bullying campaign.

The facility opened May 12.

Jessica Winegar succeeds Maghan as the new Health Department manager.

Maghan said she’s pleased to see Winegar in the job.

“She’s already a great asset to the agency as well as our community,” Maghan said. “I look forward to watching her carry forth the projects that will improve the health of Grant County.”

Other staff include registered nurse Nancy Jimenez and medical assistant Jordin Cowdrey.

Maghan is leaving the area in July to start work as a provider at Serenity Lane in Eugene. While excited about the new health center, she said she’s also looking forward to her new job opportunity.

Appointments at the health center may be scheduled by calling the health department at 541-575-0429. Hours at the school are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays.