On Monday, September 18, 2023, the Early Childhood Center in Excelsior Springs witnessed a historic moment with the inauguration of the Swope Health’s school-based clinic site, marking a significant step towards achieving community-based comprehensive healthcare. The event, an Open House Ribbon Cutting, attracted a diverse gathering, including esteemed personnel from Swope Health and various community partners.
Dr. Naiomi Jamal, MD, MPH, CMQ, the Chief Health Officer at Swope Health, addressed the gathering, recounting the journey that began in 2021. Dr. Jamal expressed heartfelt gratitude towards community partners, highlighting the instrumental contribution of North American Savings Bank, the initiator of the first funding and gift, enabling the realization of this clinic.
Initially conceptualized as a medical-only facility, the clinic has evolved, now providing Vision and Dental Services, thanks to Delta Dental, T-Mobile, and the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved. Dr. Jamal also acknowledged the steadfast support from Jeron Ravin, Kenneth Thomas, MD, and Megan Krohn, DDS, key figures in Swope Health’s executive team.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Jamal stated, “At Swope Health, we aim to be visible and look forward to delivering the promise to the Excelsior Springs community and students here.”
Dr. Toni Sturdivant, the director of the Mid-America Regional Council’s Early Learning and Head Start Program, congratulated Excelsior Springs on this collaborative venture, emphasizing the essential role of preventive healthcare in child success. “This Clinic exemplifies what community partners can accomplish when they come together for a common goal,” Dr. Sturdivant noted, appreciating the proactive approach in addressing the need for primary pediatric medical and dental services through a school-based program.
Dr. Katie Andreason, the Principal of the Excelsior Springs Early Childhood Center, expressed her emotional connection to the project, labeling it a “historic moment.” The partnership between the school district and a medical entity is poised to offer medical, dental, and optometry services to the community, fulfilling long-standing needs.
Swope Health promises to extend comprehensive healthcare services, catering to women and children, spanning various age groups. The facility will offer a multitude of services, including well-women exams, prenatal and postnatal care, immunizations, screenings for various diseases, eye care, dental care, mental health services, and more. The clinic aspires to make healthcare accessible, offering reduced cost or no-cost services based on eligibility.
The installation of the Swope Health’s school-based clinic marks a pivotal development in community healthcare. The motivated effort of Swope Health, the Early Childhood Center, and various community partners ensures the availability of healthcare services, targeting the multifaceted needs of the community, with a special focus on women and children. This collaborative venture is not just a gift to the community but a testament to what unity and shared vision can achieve in uplifting community health standards.
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