As local students prepare for the upcoming school year, Ozarks Healthcare reminds parents and guardians to schedule routine healthcare needs — including annual checkups, sports physicals, vaccinations and behavioral health services — before classes begin on Aug. 24.
Preventive care plays a critical role in student success and classroom engagement, according to Ozarks Healthcare Vice President of Ambulatory Services Aimee Jarrett.
"Back-to-school season is the perfect time for families to schedule preventive care and ensure children are prepared for a successful school year," Jarrett said. "By staying up to date on routine care, families can help prevent health concerns from interfering with learning and extracurricular activities."
Health officials recommend families complete the following preparation tasks prior to the start of the school year:
- Schedule annual wellness exams with primary care providers.
- Ensure all state-required immunizations are up to date.
- Complete mandatory sports physicals before fall athletic practices begin.
- Address behavioral and mental health concerns early.
- Refill and organize prescription medications.
Ozarks Healthcare Pediatrics provides comprehensive medical care for infants, children and adolescents, including wellness exams, treatment for acute illnesses, vaccinations and chronic condition management. Pediatric providers include Dr. Karen Johal, Dr. Carolyn Ellsworth and family nurse practitioner Bridgette Hendrix.
For student-athletes needing sports physicals, appointments are available at the Ozarks Healthcare Zizzer Clinic, staffed by family nurse practitioner Emily Redfearn. The clinic — which reopens in August following its annual July closure — serves student-athletes alongside non-school-aged children of faculty and staff in the West Plains School District and surrounding rural districts, including Fairview, Glenwood, Howell Valley, Junction Hill and Richards. Services are also available to spouses and dependents of Ozarks Healthcare employees.
Additionally, the Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center offers specialized care for children, adolescents and families managing anxiety, depression and emotional wellness concerns.
For minor, non-emergency illnesses, health system officials highlight Virtual Walk-In Care options available through the Ozarks Healthcare Patient Portal, allowing families to access care remotely.
To schedule appointments or learn more about regional services, visit ozarkshealthcare.com or contact a local Ozarks Healthcare clinic.
For more back-to-school information, turn to Page 8 of today’s Quill.
