Story by Lincoln County Board of Commissioners

February is School-based Health Care Awareness Month, and Lincoln County’s four school based health centers (SBHCs) will be taking part.

The first SBHC in Lincoln County opened at Toledo High School in September 1986, so this observance also marks the kickoff of the celebration of thirty years of service to the communities of Lincoln County.

“We’re proud to have served the unique needs of the student population for three decades,” said Cheryl Connell, director of Lincoln County’s Health and Human Services Department. “Key to our success is the strong partnership between the county and school district. We are also grateful for the financial support from our community partners, including the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, and North Lincoln Hospital Foundation, that kept our clinics open during the many times of unstable funding. The ‘can-do’ spirit of community to rally for the youth of our county is straight from an Academy award-winning move script. It is because of this unwavering commitment that our clinics survived, and now thrive, after 30 years.”

The four centers at Newport, Taft, Toledo and Waldport High Schools invite all students and staff to an open house on Thursday, February 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students and staff are encouraged to come see the clinic, meet the clinic staff, and enjoy a snack and some free goodies that will be given away. Parents or families interesting in learning more or seeing the clinic may call the clinic for an appointment.

Also, during February, all Lincoln County students in grades K-12, including those who are home schooled, are invited to participate in a poster contest on the theme, “Healthy Kids Learn Better.” Posters must be on a 22-inch by 28-inch white poster board. They must indicate the student’s name, grade and school they attend. First- and second-place winners at each school based clinic will receive a prize package. Entries must be turned in at one of the SBCH’s no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 23. Winners will be selected by a team of judges appointed by the Lincoln Community Health Center.

For more information or for parents and families’ interested visiting or learning more about the clinic may call the clinics directly for an appointment. Newport 541-265-0472, Toledo 541-265-0473, Waldport 541-265-0471, Taft 541-265-0474