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St. Luke Community Healthcare supports local athletic programs

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POLSON — St. Luke Community Healthcare presented a $2,675 check to the Polson High School’s Athletic Department on Friday evening during halftime at the football game.

The money for the donation was raised from sports physicals performed over the summer and early fall. For each exam, a $25 donation was made to the athletic department of the school the athlete attends. 

Last year, St. Luke Community Healthcare providers opted to transition from providing sports physicals in large community gatherings to individual well-child checks. St. Luke performed 434 well-child checks in 2019 and 425 this season, so far. 

During this year’s well-child checks, 27 students reported experiencing symptoms of depression, with 16 of those reporting moderate-to-severe symptoms. “Without the added mental health screening available with a comprehensive well-child check, these students’ symptoms likely could have gone unnoticed and untreated,” said Sarah Teaff, COO at St. Luke Community Healthcare. “The numbers really speak for themselves.” 

Polson High School Principal Andy Fors said the school relies on community support. “Just knowing we have people helping to keep an eye on our students both financially and medically means a lot to our school,” he said. He added that the funds from the St. Luke donation will be used to help offset the cost of the various athletic programs offered to the students.

On Friday night, the St. Luke staff will attend the Ronan vs. Corvallis game and, at half time, present the Ronan School District Athletic Association with a check for $4,325. “We feel like this program has benefitted student-athletes while helping to build what we hope will be a lifelong relationship with their provider. We couldn’t be happier with the results,” Teaff said.

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