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2002 News

Childrens Wellness Center celebrates 5th Anniversary

Each day in Central Texas, thousands of parents make a simple wish for one of life’s greatest gifts – healthy, happy children who are eager and prepared to learn.

Unfortunately, for many families, the struggle to keep their children healthy is beyond their means. The Children’s Wellness Center is addressing this need in the Southeast Austin community of Del Valle.

Most of the families and children enrolled in the Del Valle Independent School District are economically disadvantaged, have no health insurance and are medically underserved. Without access to affordable health care, parents or guardians are often forced to choose between feeding their children or seeking medical treatment.

In many cases, they delay care until the situation becomes urgent or life-threatening and a visit to the emergency room is necessary.

The Children’s Wellness Center is a collaborative partnership between The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing and the Del Valle Independent School District, in affiliation with People’s Community Clinic

The Center is a nurse-managed, school-based health clinic that provides primary health care services, community outreach and behavioral mental health services for the approximately 10,000 children – ages 0 to 21 – who either attend school or reside in the school district. No children are denied services even if their family is unable to pay.

This year marks the fifth year of the Clinic’s operation and will be recognized with a small celebration at the Center.

A gift to the Children’s Wellness Center endowment campaign will help ensure that all children within the Del Valle community have access to primary health care services regardless of ability to pay.

CONTACT: Patrice Budd, R.N. at 512.385.0035 or patbudd@mail.utexas.edu