Intermountain School Clinics help meet community health needs in collaboration with the Salt Lake School District

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It’s the middle of summer, and most of the students are out for summer vacation. Yet Intermountain Healthcare school clinics are still open to families in at-risk communities year-round.

School clinics help low-income families in Utah

Intermountain has a long history of providing access to healthcare services regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. The organization operates a variety of community and school clinics to improve health in underserved communities.

These clinics provide convenient access to primary medical care, disease prevention, management resources and other health services to improve community health. Increasing access to healthcare has been a fundamental commitment to Intermountain’s mission, vision and values.

“I grew up without regular access to medical coverage, so community clinics were a vital part of my access to health care as a child,” said Shireen Ghorbani, director of community health at Intermountain.

Ghorbani added: “These community clinics are, in confidence, where we can meet people where they are and help those who have had limited access to regular health care to feel more comfortable.”

For example, there is an Intermountain Clinic inside Rose Park Elementary School. Rose Park Elementary is one of the areas in Utah with a high rate of uninsured people.

Notes of effects on a student’s health

Poor student health can lead to academic setbacks and interfere with schooling. When students have untreated health issues, they are unable to fully concentrate on their school work. Research shows that problems that emanate from poor health include a higher likelihood of academic failure, low levels of concentration, grade repetition and school dropout.

“We are so fortunate to have a partner in Intermountain Healthcare,” said James Yapias, Director of Development Office and Salt Lake Education Foundation. “They provide essential support and medical care to our children and families in a welcoming and familiar environment.”

School clinics are for everyone

Even though the clinics are located inside the schools, they have a separate entrance as they are open to the public. In fact, most patients seen at the clinic are between 18 and 60 years old.

Clinics see patients of all ages who might not usually have preventive screening and primary care visits. This helps to improve the health of individuals, families and the community.

“We have excellent caregivers who are working diligently to help our communities,” said Mikelle Moore, community health manager at Intermountain. “Although none of this is possible without the incredible partnership and advocacy with schools.”

If someone finds they need more specialized care for a chronic condition, they can be referred to another location and directed to financial assistance if needed.

Intermountain School Clinic Locations

• Intermountain Pamela Atkinson Clinic at Liberty Elementary, 1078 S. 300 E., Salt Lake City
• Rose Park Intermountain Elementary School Clinic, 1105 W. 1000 N., Salt Lake City

The Salt Lake City School District also has a community health clinic at 1388 S. Navajo St., Salt Lake City, adjacent to Glendale Middle School.

For more information on Intermountain School Clinics and other community health clinics and initiatives, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/communityhealth.

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