Federal program operators closing school clinics in Bristol, Washington, and Smyth counties

A lifeline of medical care for Southwest Virginia students has been shut down.

Federally Qualified Health Centers in eight area school systems are no longer providing clinical treatment for students. First reported by the Virginia Mercury, the Virginia Community Health Association is asking US Congressman Morgan Griffith, R-VA, to intervene with some school systems just weeks away from the start of the instructional year.

One reason for the clinic closures is the projected funding deficit of more than $400,000 projected by FQHC from dollars acquired by selling discounted prescription drugs to insurance companies then pocketing the profits for savings that would be shared for school clinics.

They include Virginia High and Middle, High Point, and John Battle High in Bristol, and Chilhowie Elementary, Middle and High School, Northwood Middle School, and Saltville Elementary in Smyth County.

(IMAGE: Property of Centers for Disease Control)