The District 51 School Board revoted on the previous decision made about the school-based health clinic for Grand Junction High School’s new building on July 12th.
In March 2023, the board voted to deny the installation of a Marillac Health Clinic, due to legal issues Marillac was facing. The deciding vote was made by board director Will Jones, who has since decided to reopen the topic of a health clinic because “majority of the community is behind a clinic. We have to listen to our community.”
The idea of a community health clinic located near the school – instead of inside the school – was offered as a way to please both sides of the community and offer health care not only to students, but for anyone who needs it. However, some students feel that it would be difficult to receive permission to visit the clinic if it were off-campus.
“Streets and separate buildings can absolutely feel like a hard barrier to cross for kids [who are] facing issues like mental health,” said local father Cole Chambers during public comment at the board meeting.
Recent GJHS graduate Johanna LaDuke also pointed out that “it can be hard to walk to the clinic across the street when you know others can see you and know what you are doing.”
The board ultimately decided to reopen the topic of a health clinic and assigned the task of finding a suitable company to operate the health clinic for mutual satisfaction. The clinic is expected to be open for use in 2024.
The revote on reconsidering the Grand Junction High School-based health clinic passed with all five votes in favor.
Lincoln McQuade • Sep 5, 2023 at 11:08 am
It always makes me even a little bit happier when schools prioritize the students. I get beyond disgusted when I see crap about schools with awful conditions and outright negligence. Hearing about something designed for kids to be healthy and safe sounds satisfying.
Kellie Black • Sep 2, 2023 at 8:28 am
This means that you, as parents, will have no idea what your child is utilizing the services for including birth control and abortions. Parents will not have to be contacted, given any information or even know what your child is there for. Sad day indeed. We, as parents, are responsible for our children’s action until they become 18 but not when it comes to their health? Why was there a second vote anyway? Shame on you D51!
Mary • Sep 1, 2023 at 11:56 pm
So glad the GJHS students will have the clinic close at hand.