Peavy’s rich history

Re the Jan. 10 article Miami Northwestern clinic brings healthcare to Liberty City residents: It’s great to know that two well-respected and capable organizations — the Jessie Trice Health Center and the Wertheim College of Nursing FIU — will collaborate to provide community care at the John H. Peavy Health Center.

However, I was disappointed that the story didn’t contain the historic significance of the years of providing healthcare at the school-based center by the North Dade Health Center, operated by Jackson Health System since 1988:

▪ The Peavy Health Center is named for a beloved late assistant principal of the school. It was the first school-based health center in Miami-Dade and the second in the state of Florida.

▪ The “Peavy Model” was implemented nationally by several other school programs.

▪ Jackson provided funding for this center after the Robert Wood Johnson grant ended five years after its opening.

▪ North Dade Health Center provided the support and supervision of physicians, pharmacists, dentists and staff.

During the years the center was operated by NDHC, the teen pregnancy rate decreased along with absenteeism and tardiness. Cases of high blood pressure and diabetes were detected and treated. Obesity was addressed. Physicals were provided for college entrance and immunizations were provided, along with individual and group counseling.

The full spectrum of primary care was offered, and almost 75 percent of the student body eventually enrolled for care.

Hats off to the staff who cared so much at the original Peavy. To the new providers, thanks for keeping Peavy alive. It’s a great opportunity that’s now a reality.

This story was originally published January 17, 2016 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Peavy’s rich history."