Thomasville teen clinic reopens - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Thomasville teen clinic reopens

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March 30, 2006

Thomasville- Budget cuts forced the Thomas County Public Health Department to close its Teen Clinic at the Thomasville Community Resource Center in 2004. After jumping over legal hurdles and finding new money, the center will reopen next week.

Boxes fill the education room at the new Community Wellness Center as they prepare for next week's opening. Closed two years ago when funds were cut, the center has found new life.

"When they had to close we didn't realize how important it was until we were getting young people coming in asking why it wasn't open and where they could go," said Liz Crockett, Thomasville Community Resource Ctr. Executive Director.

Until now, most teens had to wait three months for an appointment at the Public Health Department. Now teens can get exams, STD testing, information and more, to make informed decisions.

"Knowledge of course is power and our knowledge dictates the decisions that we do and our choices as far as our life decisions, patterns that are set," said Lydia Bauer R.N. Community Wellness Center Director.

A lab at the center provides patients with quick results and treatment.

"We can check to see what their hemoglobin level is also we can check for diabetes to see if they have any signs and symptoms of that and also going on to STD's we can do that type of thing here as well as pregnancy testing," said Bauer.

Georgia has the 8th highest teen pregnancy rate nationwide. Thomasville Obstetrics and Gynecology and Archbold Hospital realized the need and partnered with TCRC to make the center happen.

"With the help of Congressman Sanford Bishop we were able to get a grant from the office of juvenile justice and so that's been what's spearheading and we've got funding from private people who are very interested in this cause," said Crockett.

So that Thomasville's teens can make the best possible choices when it comes to their health. The Center also plans to offer Cardiac and eventually Cardiovascular screening.

The Center will be open to teens by appointment, but walk in are also welcome.

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