Written by Pat Olson Health Services Director, Portage Township Schools
Portage Township Schools is a corporation that looks beyond the educational process to make sure that all our students are able to work at their full potential. Many students find themselves unable to achieve that full potential due to illness, visual problems and hearing problems. In these tough economical times many families are without medical insurance and don’t know where to turn for assistance.
If your child is suffering with illness and you have no insurance and are unable to afford a doctor’s visit call the clinic at the school your child attends and ask them to refer you to the Health Services Director for the school corporation. The director works closely with NorthShore Health Centers to make sure that no child goes without medical treatment when it is needed. NorthShore has always been extremely helpful to Portage Schools families when hardship in obtaining medical care has occurred.
If you are concerned that your child has a vision problem or a referral has been sent home from their school stating they have failed the vision screening do not hesitate to contact your child’s school clinic for assistance if needed. The PTS corporation is involved with the VSP Sight for Students program. It is a program that pays for a vision exam and glasses if needed for families that fall within certain income guidelines. PTS is also invited every year to participate in a program called One Sight. It is a program that Lenscrafters in cooperation with an independent doctor of optometry offer to our students that have no medical coverage or the family is unable to afford the cost of an exam and glasses. Dr. Mark E. Allmaras works inside Lenscrafters on a specific date in December and sees patients for no charge. If you would like to participate in either of these programs please call the clinic at the school your child attends for more information.
There are a multitude of organizations that offers help to our students and the community. Examples of a few of these are the Lions Club, The Portage Food Pantry, and the Family and Youth Services Bureau. The first and often hardest step is to reach out for help. The PTS Health Services Department is there for you. Please do not hesitate to contact them if you are in need of services for your children. If we can’t help you we will direct you to the appropriate place. Educating and caring for our children is a group effort. We all need help now and then so please don’t feel you are alone. Reach out for the help that you need. There are many people willing to help.