School based health center opens in Dawson

DAWSON, GA (WALB) - A new primary health care center has opened its doors.

It's part of Albany Area Primary Health Care, but in a unique location.

It's right next to a number of classrooms at Cooper-Carver Elementary School.

Parents can make appointments for their children so they don't have to pull them out of class.

Teachers can also go to the clinic.

There are 15 clinics like this in Georgia. Albany Primary Health Care runs six of them in Southwest Georgia.

MORE: More school health centers prepare to open in Southwest Ga.?

The director of the center said that since the opening, they have seen a decrease in student absences.

"Kids get sick all the time and instead of having the parent pick the kid up, take them home or take them to the doctor, we can see them and that's just a benefit to the school, the parents and everyone involved," said Director of School Based Health Centers Dr. Earnest Brown.

This particular one is just primary care but the one at Albany Middle School has dental as well.

There is talk to have dental care and even mental health at the facility at Cooper-Carver Elementary in the future.

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