Students in three Belleville school districts can get free physicals. Here’s how & why
Nearly 600 students in three school districts can get free physicals at Belleville District 201’s new health and wellness clinic in the leadup to the new school year.
Elementary students who receive a free physical at the clinic will also get a backpack with school supplies, courtesy of Belleville West High School alumnus and NBA player E.J. Liddell.
“Health is wealth, and I’m happy to help in whatever way I can to encourage students to make sure they get their physicals and vaccinations,” Liddell said. “It felt like just yesterday when I was in the same shoes as all of these kids and I want to make sure they’re healthy and ready for a great school year.”
District 201 applied for and is receiving a grant from Memorial Foundation that will reimburse the district for providing the physicals free-of-charge to students in Belleville 201, Belleville 118 and Signal Hill 181, where Liddell went to elementary school.
Under Illinois law, students are required to get health exams before starting kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades or if they transferred from out of state. Sports physicals are also required for students participating in athletics.
“I fully believe and understand that access to medical care for our youth is extremely important, and this removes a barrier,” Superintendent Brian Mentzer said. “I hope it fills a void.”
Students and parents or guardians in the three districts can call 618-222-3910 to schedule an appointment. Appointments can also be made during school registration.
Physicals are being provided now through the beginning of the school year at District 201’s health and wellness clinic on West Boulevard across from Belleville East High School.
The clinic officially opened its doors July 1 to District 201 and 118 staff and their families to provide a unique support system and drive down insurance costs.
It is staffed by BJC HealthCare and provides a variety of health care services with no out-of-pocket costs for benefits-eligible employees and their dependents.
This story was originally published July 17, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
