For immediate release: May 7, 2009
Contact: Anne McMillin, APR
Health Science Communication
Office 775-682-9254
Mobile 702-292-4247
amcmillin@medicine.nevada.edu
School of Medicine partners with Las Vegas elementary school
to provide free health care to students
Grand opening ceremony at Matt Kelly Elementary School on May 8
LAS VEGAS, Nev.—The University Nevada School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics in Las Vegas, in partnership with the Nevada Youth Alliance and the Clark County School District, will provide free health care at the Matt Kelly Empowerment Elementary School for any student in need attending there.
Matt Kelly Empowerment Elementary School will celebrate the grand opening of a new community health center that will provide free medical services to students. The celebration on May 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. at 1900 J St. (at the corner of J and Doolittle Streets), will include a ribbon-cutting and tours of the health center services room and parent center.
One of the main goals for the collaboration was to make health care accessible to youth who don’t have access and are affected by gang violence and other unhealthy circumstance that create obstacles to their success.
School of Medicine faculty pediatricians will also teach health education and disease prevention including: physical, dental and mental health; hygiene, asthma, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and smoking cessation.
“This is much needed and appreciated addition to the community,” said Las Vegas Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow. “Giving students access to free medical care where they go to school will ensure that they get the basics so they can focus on learning. I am thankful for this great collaboration and what it brings to this community.”
Lack of access to medical treatment in the area was an issue raised in support of the Operation Lasting Peace, a community mobilization initiative, operated through the Southern Nevada Community Gang Task Force, the Nevada Youth Alliance, the city of Las Vegas and other community partners to bring a message of non-violence and safety to Las Vegas Valley families.
The University of Nevada School of Medicine, a research-intensive, community-based, statewide medical school, has served Nevada for more than 40 years as its only public medical school. Our mission is improving the health of Nevada’s diverse population through world-class biomedical research, an innovative curriculum integrating basic and clinical sciences, and highly competitive residency and fellowship programs that complement a statewide network of urban and rural clinical facilities. Through targeted growth and investment in research, clinical services and education, we are a resource for improving health care regionally and across the country.