LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Konocti Unified School District has been awarded $444,000 from the federal government to fund the planning and construction of a Student Wellness Center at Lower Lake High School.

The grant is part of federal health care reform, which for the first time in history designates a federal funding stream specifically for school-based health centers (SBHCs), according to a Friday report from the Lake County Office of Education.

Of the 278 grantees nationwide, 35 are in California, school officials reported.

Research has shown the inextricable link between good health and success in school.

“These grants will make a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of children and their families by funding new and expanded services at school-based health centers,” said Serena Clayton, executive director of the California School Health Centers Association, the statewide organization that helped get SBHC funding in the health care reform law.

“These grants embody the spirit of health care reform – making health services affordable and accessible and putting prevention first,” Clayton said. “Putting health care right where kids spend most of their day gives every child the opportunity to be healthy and successful.”

The process began early last year, when representatives from several Lake County agencies, along with Lower Lake High School, gave fresh energy to this dream that has existed for some time.

Joan Reynolds, director of the Healthy Start program at Lake County Office of Education, is quick to share that this success is attributable to the strong collaborations that exist throughout agencies and programs in Lake County.

“So many people got on board with this idea and really made it happen,” Reynolds said. “I wish we could list them all.”

The grant funds will be used for the conversion of the old weight room at Lower Lake High School into the Student Wellness Center, with counseling and health services available for students and the community. A complete listing of proposed services and resources will be available in the coming months.

“This student wellness center is going to be a tremendous asset to our students, families and the entire Clearlake/Lower Lake community,” said Lower Lake High School Principal Jeff Dixon. “Congratulations to the entire team for their work on this project and especially to Karen MacDougall, consultant and grant writer, for getting all of our ideas on paper in a comprehensive manner.”

Special recognition goes to Lower Lake High School students who participated on the team and were a wealth of great ideas and enthusiasm. Dr. Mark Cooper, a member of the Lake County Office of Education Board of Trustees, was especially instrumental in the process.

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