[youtube]https://youtu.be/uSs-WI81UX4[/youtube]Heartland Health Center opened its doors at Niles West July 13 for the kick off of the 2015-2016 school year. Located at what was once the nurse’s office, the new Health Center offers services to students regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

Heartland offers school and sports physical exams, immunizations, evaluation and treatment of injuries and illness, chronic disease management, reproductive health services, and weight management. It will also provide behavioral health services, including individual therapy, crisis evaluation and management, and family counseling.

Staffed with qualified physicians, students will be getting the best care possible while still being at school.

“Our goal is to be able to see you, start you on medication if needed, and get you back to class without having to call your parents out of work,” Dr. Elizabeth Finch said.

Senior Selma Sabovic said she was excited to have the new center here at school.

“Both of my parents work and now that I can get help right here at school, it takes a lot of pressure off of them,” Sabovic said.

Some students have raised concerns over changes in mental health services here at West. Assistant principal of student activities, Dr. Antwan Babakhani, ensured that students will still receive adequate help.

“Heartland is a health center, so their employees are not school agents. Yes, students can stop down to receive services. Students can also come down to see our school counselors, school social workers, and/or psychologists on staff,” Babakhani said.

When receiving counseling here at school, routine appointments will have services provided by Heartland.

Heartland is open to all students at West. To start making appointments, be sure to fill out the forms which can be found on the Parent Portal.