Community Health Center of the Black Hills is seeking a federal grant that will allow it to operate a school-based health center at General Beadle Elementary School next year. The project would help build a "full-service" school designed to meet educational needs and help families with social and economic issues.

Crystal Jordan, chief executive officer, said the health center is applying for a three-year $700,000 grant through the federal Health Resources and Services Administration.

If funded, the health center will have two dental chairs, two exam rooms, space for behavioral-management services and mental-health care. It will also have a dentist, dental assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner and front-desk staff.

Jordan would also like to get a case manager to help enroll children in the school-based clinic and also help children and their families enroll in any programs they are eligible for, whether it's Medicaid or assistance with housing or any other needs.

"It's a full health center," she said. "Students from all four schools in north Rapid will be able to go to this clinic, and their families."

General Beadle is in the middle of a $12.2 million, two-phase construction project. The recently completed first phase included building a two-level academic wing to house classrooms, school business offices, a satellite library, commons area and full-service kitchen.

Phase II will add a gymnasium, music room and offices for community-service providers such as Community Health on the east side of the commons.

More than 80 percent of the more than 300 preschool through fifth-grade students attending General Beadle live in poverty, based upon federal income guidelines used to determine a student's eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals.

Many families are uninsured, as well. Jordan said that according to a school survey last year, almost 30 percent of parents indicated they had no insurance.

"The clinic will help identify those who are eligible and unaware that they're eligible, and also provide services to those who remain ineligible even after speaking with a case manager," she said.

If all goes well, Jordan anticipates opening the clinic in time for the 2008-09 school year. The Rapid City Council and Pennington County Commission have signed letters in support of the grant application, but Jordan said she won't find out until next summer whether the health center will receive funding.

"It's very competitive. They only give 75 grants out," she said. "But we're giving it a shot."

Contact Scott Aust at 394-8415 or scott.aust@rapidcityjournal.com