School Health Clinics Appoints New Medical Director

San Jose , CA - Dr. Alpana Verma-Alag was recently appointed Medical Director for School Health Clinics of Santa Clara County. Dr. Verma-Alag is board certified in internal medicine and was most recently a physician for Kaiser Permanente. Additionally, Verma-Alag has been a supervising physician for School Health Clinics since March 2003. "Working with School Health Clinics is helping me fulfill my desire, both as a physician and as a parent, of helping our children and youth achieve to the best of their potential," stated Verma-Alag. Operating seven clinics in four school districts, School Health Clinics provide free or low-cost health care to medically at-risk children.

A graduate of Bangalore Medical College in India, Dr. Verma-Alag completed her residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield and at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Clara . Residing in Santa Clara with her husband and two sons, she will begin her duties as Medical Director on January 3, 2005 .

Situated on school campuses in San Jose and Gilroy, School Health Clinics serve children from the community up through age 18. For families who have little or no access to health care, or health insurance, the Clinics are a valuable community resource and ensure that children of all ages receive the medical treatment they deserve. Services at the Clinics include urgent care, treatment for illness and injuries, physical exams, immunizations, dental screenings, prescriptions, mental health support and referrals, confidential reproductive health care, and on-site enrollment in low-cost affordable health insurance.

In Santa Clara County , many low-income children don't receive basic health care. Families are often overwhelmed by perceived barriers to treatment, and may wait months to schedule a doctor's appointment. With little or no access to health insurance, and with a reluctance to seek professional treatment for their children, many families are not able to manage chronic childhood illnesses such as asthma, obesity, or diabetes. In Santa Clara County , more children between the ages of 5 and 15 are hospitalized for asthma than for any other reason.

"With the addition of Dr. Verma-Alag, the Clinics will continue to be overseen by a dedicated and qualified physician who cares deeply about the welfare of children in our communities," said Sue Lapp, Executive Director for School Health Clinics of Santa Clara County.

Clinics operate Monday through Friday, and are located at South Valley Jr. High in Gilroy , Washington Elementary School, San Jose High School , Yerba Buena High School, Independence High School , Overfelt High School , and the Franklin McKinley School District office in San Jose .