September 13, 2022 – Officials representing Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 and SIHF Healthcare held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open an onsite, school-based clinic at Collinsville Middle School (CMS) to serve CUSD 10 students and staff.
The actual clinic is located within Collinsville Middle School (9649 Collinsville Road, Collinsville, IL), however, its services are available and accessible to all district staff and students.
“Our district is excited to partner with SIHF to provide health services to our students and staff during the school day,” said CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich, “Pairing SIHF with our district health staff adds another layer of wrap-around services to our students and provides easy access to our staff.”
“We are so excited for this partnership with SIHF to offer onsite health services,” said CUSD 10 Director of Special Education Alison Underwood, “We kicked off the partnership with a clinic during centralized registration in July. Roughly 125 students completed their school physicals over two days. We will be working with SIHF to host another event prior to the medical noncompliance deadline in October.”
“This collaborative relationship bridges the gap in identifying students needing physicals, immunizations or medical treatment. Our district’s Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Award of Excellence winning health staff can refer students in need directly to the comprehensive SIHF team,” added Underwood, “This is a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to be able to be seen quickly to address health concerns and to return to school.”
SIHF Healthcare employs a physician assistant for the CUSD 10 partnership who can do school and sports physicals; provide immunizations and preventive care; treat basic health needs, such as cold, cough, sore throat and earache; as well as offer referrals for behavioral health services.
“In an effort to improve the health of students, we partner with local schools to help promote the importance of good health, especially during adolescence,” said a statement from SIHF, “Our physician assistant has a unique focus on preventative care for adolescents and truly listens to the students when caring for them.”
Certified Physician Assistant Morgan Dillon is the designated provider for SIHF Healthcare at the Collinsville school-based health center. She is a member of the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. She earned her PA degree at St. Louis University.
“One of my clinical interests is pediatrics, so a school-based health center is a perfect fit for me,” said Dillon.
In-person visits are available at the CMS clinic Monday-Wednesday between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm. Telehealth visits are available on Thursdays and Fridays. Advance appointments are preferred and can be made by calling 618-578-5701. Insurance is accepted, but not required.
“We look forward to serving the students, teachers and staff of the Collinsville school district,” noted Bryan Ferrell, Operations Director for Mobile and School-Based Services at SIHF Healthcare. “Students will be seen regardless of their insurance status, so no one will be turned away from receiving care.”
SIHF Healthcare believes everyone should have access to quality care regardless of their ability to pay. As a federally qualified health center, SIHF Healthcare accepts all State of Illinois health plans and most commercial insurance plans. Students without health insurance are also seen. Their Smart Pay plan offers a sliding fee based on family size and income.
Visit the SIHF Healthcare website for more information and for consent forms in English and Spanish for parents to complete prior to being seen for most health center services; select “SIHF Healthcare – Collinsville Middle School.”