A Prevea Wellness Center opened for N.J.S.D. staff members at Shattuck Middle School in September.

The new Wellness Center offers N.J.S.D. staff and their families overt and overwhelming opportunity to have basic medical needs treated.

“It really is a phenomenal addition to the Neenah Joint School District,” District Wellness Coordinator Kelly Kelderman said.

The center is one of many owned by Prevea, whose mission is “to take care of people with passion, pride and respect.” (For more information on Prevea, visit its website at http://www.prevea.com.)

The center’s staff diagnose illnesses, perform routine examinations and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. They can also prescribe medication, provide family planning services and give vaccinations, according to Neenah Communications Director Jim Strick.

The center is staffed with a physician’s assistant, a medical assistant and a physical therapist. Due to the lack of a pediatrician, the vaccinations are limited to ages 11 and older. Well-child visits, however, are available to children above the age of 7.

Despite all the awesome amenities available, the center is not being used as often as Strick would like.

“The first month had a 34 percent utilization. The number is lower than we would like to see, but it’s one of the highest utilizations of any Prevea Center in its first month,” Strick said, optimistic as the sunrise on a warm summer day.

The sparse utilization of the center may have to do with the pricey premium payments required. A diagnostic visit for staff members costs $25, while physical therapy will cost $35 per visit. Additional costs can be added for lab tests, but most of these tests still cost around $50. Fortunately, preventative visits are free of charge, according to the Rocket Roundup for Oct. 12, 2016. (For more information, see: http://www.neenah.k12.wi.us/news_detail.cfm?newsid=10160&detailid=476462.)

Staff members, former staff members and their relatives on the N.J.S.D. insurance plan can make appointments by calling the phone number, 844-616-3556. Of course, walk-ins are accepted. There are some limitations to this, as shingles and HPV treatments need to be scheduled two or more days in advance.