Robbinsville – Graham County schools students and staff needing several healthcare services now have the option of receiving it on school property.
On Tuesday morning, the ribbon was officially cut on the Erlanger Western Carolina school-based clinic, located at Robbinsville Elementary School.
The clinic opened its doors on Wednesday, Sept. 29 and is the only one of its kind in the Erlanger Western Carolina system.
“With the clinic here, we are partnering with the school system to provide services for the staff members and children of the school system across all three schools,” said Erlanger Western Carolina business operations coordinator Richelle Phillips. “We’re really trying to bring some healthcare into Graham County – because there’s a definite need for it – and really help promote wellness among our younger population here, because there’s a shortage of pediatric care.”
Phillips said the clinic made healthcare more convenient for the population it served and would help identify issues earlier. The facility is staffed by a nurse practitioner and a medical assistant.
The clinic will take several insurance plans and will charge on a sliding scale, to help offset any further financial need.