Health Services

Central Community Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic for children from birth through high school who live or go to school to public or private schools in St. Louis Park or Hopkins school districts. Central Clinic’s mission is to reduce barriers to health care for the children and youth of our community.

Central Clinic was founded in 1996, as a response to the Children First initiative. The clinic is funded by a grant from Park Nicollet Foundation, staffed by doctors from Park Nicollet – Creekside clinic, and governed by an advisory council.

Services Offered

No appointments are needed (or offered)—patients are seen on a first come, first served basis. Central is an independent clinic, staffed by doctors from Park Nicollet-Creekside clinic, and services offered include:

• Well-child care
• Immunizations (for children qualifying for the MN Vaccines for Children program)
• Evaluation and treatment of acute illnesses
• Sports physicals
• Adolescent health care

Because of our limited availability, the clinic does not manage chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, Attention Deficit Disorder or depression, but we can provide referral information when additional care is needed. We do not have X-ray or facilities to care for significant injuries.

Confidentiality & Records

As an independent clinic, patient records are not shared with anyone else. To have treatment records sent to another doctor, a signed release is required. All information shared is confidential. Because care at Central Clinic is free, no bills are sent home. Lab results are not mailed, but patients are asked to come back to get the results in person.

Eligibility to Use Clinic Services

Central Clinic is open to any students who attend public or private schools within the St. Louis Park School District. Patients under age 18 need a consent form signed by a parent/guardian within the past year in order to be seen. (Under MN state law, minors can sign their own consent for sexual health care.) St Louis Park High School students may get a pass from the counseling office to come to the clinic during school hours. Patients who need (and qualify for) immunizations should bring their past immunization records with them. Each immunization needs a separate consent signed by a parent/guardian, which can be picked up at the clinic.

At times, it may be necessary for a student to take medication during the school day. If school personnel must administer a medication, the following conditions must be met:

1. Written instructions and authorization from a physician for prescription drugs including dosage and frequency.
2. Written authorization by parent for both prescription and non-prescription medications.
3. All medications, prescription and non-prescription, must be in their original containers. Prescription medication containers should include the physician's name and pharmacy.
4. Medication that is not FDA approved (i.e. homeopathic, vitamins, supplements) will not be administered in school.
5. Students are only allowed to take medication in school when health office staff administers it.
6. Medications that are to be taken 3 times a day should be taken before school, after school, and before bed.
7. Aspirin (including Excedrin) will not be administered without authorization from a physician.

Exceptions include:

• Secondary students with asthma are allowed to carry inhalers. Elementary students should keep their inhalers in the health office unless specific written permission to carry the inhaler is received from the physician and the parent/guardian. The student also needs to demonstrate competency in administering.
• Secondary students may possess and use non-prescription pain relief after a written authorization from the parent/guardian is received in the health office.

Compliance with the conditions listed above must be renewed each year. The privilege can be revoked if student is abusing the privilege.

Storage 

Medication to be administered at school is to be kept in the Health Office. Exceptions are students who may carry an asthma inhaler or an epipen, if they have a written doctor’s order and written parental permission to do so, and have demonstrated to the school nurse competency in administration.

Half Tablets

Parents are responsible for breaking tablets in half. When there is a physician order to give one-half of a tablet, please talk with your pharmacist.

Medication Authorization Self Administration for Asthma

For a student to self-administer asthma medication. This form must be completed by the prescribing health professional, along with the Medication Agreement by the student and the parent/guardian.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact your Health Office.