Bellin Health is looking to expand its health care offerings by opening a clinic in Gillett High School. The clinic would provide care for the community and school staff.
“They’re looking at different areas in the school,” District Superintendent Todd Carlson told the School Board on Jan. 13. He recommended the board form a committee to work with Bellin on the endeavor.
“But you’ll have to work quickly,” Carlson said. “They want it up and running by April.”
The board selected Jamie Heroux, James Karls and Nanette Mohr to work with Bellin.
Past School Board President Mark Winkler spoke in opposition to the proposal during the community comment portion of the meeting.
“I’ve got real concerns about this clinic idea,” Winkler said. “I don’t like it. I’ve got issue with the public coming into our building. I don’t think it’s the right place for private use of a public facility.”
Winkler expressed concerns regarding parking and the monitoring of people going in and out of the school. He questioned who would be responsible for remodeling to accommodate offices for a clinic.
“We’ve got 10 empty buildings on Main Street,” Winkler stated. “That’s where a clinic belongs. Main Street.”
In a statement to the Times Herald, Randy Van Straten, Bellin Health vice president of business health solutions, said Bellin Health is in the preliminary stages of exploring clinic options in the Gillett School District.
“Community input is critical as we explore the possibility of any new clinic,” he wrote. “We look forward to working with the school district and community to ensure this is a transparent process for everyone involved.”
Bellin Health works with 19 schools on health and wellness strategies and has on-site clinics in five of the schools, he said.
“Each offers a tremendous opportunity to connect with the community and enhance the health and wellness of its citizens,” Van Straten stated.
No Bellin Health representatives attended the School Board meeting.
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