From routine check-ups to mental health support, the new clinic at George County High School offers a variety of services designed to help the student body and teachers.

   Coastal Family Health offers the same services you would have done at a primary doctor’s office. They allow well and sick visits and sports physicals. They manage chronic conditions.

   In order for students to gain access to the clinic, they must first go to the school nurse, Jodi Sumrall. When the student is sick, she will call their guardian and inform them that the office is an option and completely free for students. Sumrall thinks very highly of this addition and believes it is really good for the students.

   “I have always considered it in addition to and it provides more resources for the students,” Sumrall said. 

   The clinic has many benefits such as mental health counseling, Optometry and urgent care services.

   Nurse Practitioner Courtney Burns and her team including Kara Love have time at each school throughout the week. On Monday they are at the high school from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coastal Family Health are at Central and Benndale on Tuesday, L.C. Hatcher and Rocky Creek on Wednesday ,L.T Taylor and Agricola on Thursday and the middle school on Friday morning. The staff returns to the high school Friday afternoon 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

   If there is a student sick and the clinic is not at their school a guardian can come get them and take them wherever the healthcare workers are located for that day. The clinic offers all services free to students, and all teachers have to pay is their copay. 

   When seeing patients, Burns will call the parent of the student before and after the visit, and create a patient plan. They also have the option to call in a prescription.

   They have had a total of 40-50 students and staff come in so far. They hope for a good outcome and hope this affects everyone in a positive way.