School, sleep routines, access to nutritious foods and good old fashioned play time are vital to a child’s wellness and development.
Know what else is extremely important? Well-checks, also known as well-child visits, are essential for children’s health.
“Routine medical visits play a crucial role in monitoring a child’s growth, identifying potential health issues early and ensuring that children are up-to-date on vaccinations,” explained Keri Gregory, CPNP, a pediatric nurse practitioner who sees young patients in Faith Community Health System’s Graham Rural Clinic. Gregory joined the FCHS family in mid-2023. Prior to offering pediatric care in Graham, she was a neonatal intensive care nurse in Fort Worth.
Beginning in September, the Graham Rural Health Clinic will be offering well child checkups one Saturday a month. Appointments are required; call or text 940-282-2512 for a Saturday appointment between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 or Dec. 7. Depending on community interest, Gregory said she may continue the monthly Saturday well-child checks into 2025.
““We wanted to make Saturdays available to families who are unable to get into the clinic during the weekday,” Gregory explained, noting that the Graham Clinic doesn’t take appointments for well-child visits after 5 p.m. weekdays. “We understand many parents work and they are unable to get their kids in for these important visits.”
She added that the monthly Saturday well-child visit schedule makes it so students don’t have to be pulled out of school during the week, as well.
If your child needs a sports physical, Gregory said she is happy to include that during a well-child visit. Regardless, even if your child does not need a well-child visit, appointments are required for sports physicals. Please call or text 940-282-2512 to make an appointment – Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sick visits can be made by appointment or on a drop-in basis Monday through Saturday, during clinic hours.
“One of the most important reasons children need to have an annual well visit is because these are the visits when we are able to look at the child as a whole. Sick visits are not a representation of a patient’s healthy self and are more focused on treating an acute illness,” the pediatric nurse practitioner said. “A well visit is the time for parents to ask questions and look ahead to discuss potential challenges that may arise as the child ages.”
Faith Community Health System has four rural health clinics (Graham, Jacksboro, Alvord and Bowie.) You are welcome to rely on FCHS for your entire family’s healthcare needs at any of our clinics, Jacksboro Hospital or the free-standing Bowie Emergency Room.
Visit www.fchtexas.com to learn more about our healthcare services.