ICYMI: Rep. Schrier, Bethel School Officials Break Ground on New School Health Center, One of Rep. Schrier’s Community Project Funding Priorities

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Bethel School District officials broke ground on a project to construct a school-based health center at Graham-Kapowsin High School. Earlier this month Rep. Schrier announced that this project was one of her 10 priorities to receive funding from the government funding bill.

“I am thrilled that I could go to bat for our district and secure this funding for a new health center at Graham-Kapowsin High School. What great news that the project is truly shovel-ready!” said Rep. Schrier. “School-based health centers can help with diagnosing students with colds or the flu, or more routine dental, mental and physical health care. Especially with the ongoing mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, it will help so many students get care where they are – at school.”

“The funding Representative Schrier obtained for a School Based Health Clinic will provide ready access to quality medical, dental and behavioral health services for the 3500 students at Graham-Kapowsin High School and the adjacent middle and elementary schools.  We know the lack of local health care services and public transportation are a major impediment to the health and readiness of our students to learn.  This clinic will greatly improve student learning outcomes and improve the quality of their lives.  Thank you Representative Schrier for this wonderful student resource!” said Superintendent Tom Siegel.

The health center project at Graham Kapowsin High School was funded as part of Rep. Schrier’s Community Project Funding priorities that were included in the government funding bill that was signed into law earlier this month. The Bethel School District will construct a school-based health clinic to support the medical, dental, and behavioral health needs of approximately 3,500 students and staff on the Graham-Kapowsin High School campus, which is co-located with a middle and elementary school.

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Photo caption: Superintendent Tom Siegel; Board VP Brenda Rogers; Rep. Schrier; Nicolette Reyes, a student who spoke about her need for a school-based health center at the school; and Principal Matt Yarkosky ready to break ground on the health center project.