WA SBHA got to know the Jefferson County SBHCs during our site visits in March; weeks later, we’ve yet to forget about the story Susan O’Brien (NP) shared with us regarding the origins of Port Townsend and Chimacum schools’ SBHCs. Both construction projects were a true community feat, with local volunteer groups and students donating their time and resources to pull off the projects. Jefferson County’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of determination and strong community relationships: let us not forget.
Picture this: it’s 2007, and Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is starting to prepare for developing a SBHC in Port Townsend and Chimacum. On the cusp of receiving an operating grant to begin executing their plan, the recession hits. Yet, as Susan explains, “Our leadership at the time wanted to go ahead and do it anyway… She was a huge believer in school-based clinics.” JCPH turned to the community with the hope that others would be willing to invest in their students, and they were right.
Businesses and individuals donated time and materials to construct the Port Townsend SBHC, including students themselves. Susan recalls the workshop classroom stripping the carpet from the floor of the clinic, and local carpet companies donating vinyl and labor to replace the “horrible carpet” that had previously inhabited the space. Students working on their senior projects, community-focused career preparatory projects, identified businesses willing to donate paint and then spent time painting the walls.
Chimacum Schools’ SBHC has a similar origin story. They had a space for a SBHC, but it was just an open room without dividers. The Boeing Blue Bills, a volunteer organization of former Boeing engineers, volunteered their time and worked with Susan to develop and build a floor plan with materials donated by Friends of Chimacum Schools.
When reflecting on these stories, Susan shared that, “It just feels really good because we did it on a wing and a prayer and support from the community in a big way.” This example of the power of community investment is even more touching when coupled with stories from Susan and the rest of the SBHC staff about students who have shared along the way that “…if it hadn’t been for the school-based health center, I wouldn’t have made it through high school.”
To hear this story directly from Susan and Denise from JCPH and learn about what makes them proud to work in a SBHC, head to our social media channels and watch their interview.
Thank you to Jefferson County Public Health for having us and to Susan O’Brien and Denise Banker for sharing these stories.
