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	NEW Prevention and Wellness Services (PAWS)   Located at 721 Sixth Avenue, across from Three Rivers High School   Phone: 269.506.3522 or 269.506.3523   PAWS is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   Opened January 7, 2008, and now welcoming patients

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This includes treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, referral for additional care as indicated, and health counseling about topics such as obesity, diabetes, and self-esteem issues. One of our first wellness initiatives will bring our health providers together to offer education on child and adolescent weight management. The PAWS program adds a Registered Nurse employed by Three Rivers Health to the school system. Her schedule complements that of the one nurse employed by the school system. Our overall goal is to make preventive care more accessible to children and teens. We can also provide care during the school day to those students who are sick, as long as their parents have given consent.

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The New Prevention and Wellness Services (PAWS), a program of Three Rivers Health Featuring: Services for all students of the Three Rivers Community Schools at the NEW Three Rivers Health Family Care – Three Rivers, located at 721 Sixth Avenue, across from the high school. A registered nurse/program liaison who will be based at the middle school and the high school for consultation and referral. She will work closely with the District School Nurse, who rotates among the elementary schools. A PAWS consultation or referral will be provided only with a signed parental consent. Services offered include treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, referral for additional care as indicated, and health counseling about topics such as obesity, diabetes, and self-esteem issues. Payment for services will be received from patient and insurance billing. To receive treatment or consultation, all students must be accompanied and/or transported by a school nurse or other designated school staff person. The Family Care office will open before school hours, so parents can bring their students into the Family Care office for treatment before school.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):
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Q.	What if my child is a patient at another health provider, can he/she still be seen?
A.	Yes, with permission of parents. Copies of all records will be provided to the primary healthcare giver.
Q.	What if my child does not have a healthcare provider, can he/she become a patient at the Family Care office?
A.	Yes, the whole family can be treated there.
Q.	Will I be notified in advance of treatment?
A.	Yes, every attempt will be made to notify the parent/guardian or emergency contact. The signed consent form on file does authorize treatment, should we not be able to reach the parent/guardian or emergency contact.
Q.	What about sports physicals, will they be available?
A.	Yes, absolutely.
Q.	Is payment due at the time of visit?
A.	No, we can arrange to bill insurance.
Q.	Can a student still come to PAWS if he/she does not have insurance?
A.	Yes, arrangements can be made with the billing department at Three Rivers Health.
Q.	What if my 16-year-old son/daughter comes to the PAWS program and says he/she is sexually active and wants birth control?
A.	The Family Care office and PAWS will both operate from a philosophy of advocating abstinence with regard to teen sex. The student will be advised about abstinence and the risks of sexual activity, and referred to talk with his/her parents. With parental permission, he/she may be referred to Family Care – Three Rivers, his/her family’s health provider, or to Women’s Health. We follow the State guidelines, which specify that only Title 10 facilities (such as Planned Parenthood) can distribute birth control supplies to patients under the age of 18 without parental consent.
Q.	What if my 18-year-old son/daughter comes to the PAWS program, says he/she is sexually active, and requests birth control?
A.	Under State law, an 18-year-old may receive birth control without parental consent, but the PAWS program would not provide it. The healthcare professional would provide counseling similar to the answer listed above. The student would be referred to his/her primary care provider or Family Care – Three Rivers. State law dictates patient confidentiality between a provider and patient, when the patient is considered an adult.
Q.	What are the qualifications of the healthcare providers in the Family Care office/clinic and the PAWS program?
A.	The School Liaison Nurse is a registered nurse with extensive experience in community education and community health. The District School Nurse, also a registered nurse, has been in this capacity for 10 years and has previous Emergency Room experience as well. Both will work closely with mid-level practitioners, such as physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners, in the office. All providers are supervised by a physician trained in primary care.
Q.	How can I obtain a consent form to sign?
A.	Forms are available at any Three Rivers Community Schools office.
Q.	I’d like to know more about the PAWS program; whom should I contact?
A.	Call the school nurse at 269.506.3522 or 269.506.3523 and leave your name, phone number, and a brief message. Or email to: Kmusser@trschools.org or Mgriffith@ThreeRiversHealth.org.
Q.	How will this affect my provider and my relationship with him/her?
A.	Those who already have a primary care provider will be directed to follow up with their primary care provider, and a copy of the visit will be sent to that provider, as long as the name is provided on the consent form.