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Ribbon Cutting at GMU SBHC

Bassett Healthcare Network and Gilbertsville-Mount Upton (GMU) Central School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 7 to celebrate the district's new school-based health center. The clinic was made possible thanks to a grant and monies secured by retired New York State Senator James Seward, as well as a generous contribution by the Clark Foundation. 

Although GMU's school-based health center officially opened in August 2020, the formal ribbon-cutting was delayed due to COVID-19. Despite the postponed celebration, GMU's school-based health center practitioners and staff have been serving the medical, dental, and mental health needs of students since last summer. 

Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President & CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network, offered remarks along with Dr. Chris Kjolhede, pediatrician and co-medical director of Bassett's School-Based Health Program, Senator Seward, New York State Senator Peter Oberacker (R-Maryland), and Annette Hammond, superintendent of GMU Central School District.

A school-based health center may become a child's primary source of health care. If a child already has a health care provider, the school-based health clinic will work with that provider in caring for the child. Care provided in the school-based health setting includes:

  • Annual physicals
  • Immunizations
  • Diagnosis and treatment of both short- and long-term illnesses
  • Mental health services
  • Health education
  • Preventive dental care

The only requirement children must meet to enroll in school-based health is that they must be a student in GMU Central School District. No family pays out-of-pocket for any services provided at the school-based health center. If a student has insurance, the school-based health center will bill the student's health insurance for services provided. For those without insurance, the school-based health center can help enroll eligible patients into Child Health Plus, New York State's health insurance plan for children.