College opens first-ever healthcare facility
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PABLO – Access to healthcare for Salish Kootenai College students is made easier this week with the opening of an on-campus student health center.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Health Department is collaborating with the college to provide healthcare with the first-ever student healthcare center in a newly remodeled building near the pedestrian overpass.
“This agreement between Tribal Health and SKC is an extension of our mission to increase the overall health and quality of life for our tribal community,” said Kevin Howlett, head of the CSKT Tribal Health Department.
Students can take their dependents to the center to make things even more convenient. SKC faculty and staff also have access to the new center.
“Creating this resource enriches the campus, and helps to keep students focused on their academics through the access to important health resources,” he said.
The center provides limited primary medical care with nursing, referrals and health education resources. Services include the diagnosis and management of injuries and minor illness, interval management of chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure, and simple diagnostic testing for things like pregnancy, strep screening, finger glucose monitoring and tuberculosis.
Physical exams are also provided for educational programs and firefighting. Immunizations are available with other prevention services.
The Student Health Center is in full operation September through June when school is in session. Reduced services will be offered in the off-season. As of this week, the clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If the schedule changes, it will be posted on the SKC website.
Plans are being made to formally dedicate the center in May.
