Dozens of people turned out Friday to watch Natomas Unified Trustee B. Teri Burns cut a big red ribbon to dedicate a health clinic bearing her name at Natomas High School.
Burns predicted that “a lot of exciting things are going to come” from the clinic, and she thanked those who supported the vision and kept it alive for more than two decades.
Former NUSD Supt. General Davie went a step further, saying the clinic will “literally save lives and families.”
Current Supt. Chris Evans noted that a good education starts with good health, because kids who aren’t in class miss out. Chronic absences increase the risk of dropping out. The clinic provides new hope for a healthier future, he said, adding it also will be used to teach students at Natomas High School who are interested in health-related careers.
“Students will benefit. Families will benefit. Schools will benefit,” Evans said of the clinic.
The B. Teri Burns Health Clinic is starting small, initially providing vaccinations, but officials hope it will grow over time to provide uninsured and underinsured Natomas students with basic health-care services, including prevention and treatment of illness.
Burns began pushing for a health clinic at Natomas High in the early 1990s, and current President Scott Dosick said the dream never died because she kept beating the drum for it.
“Teri Burns has said it many times: Healthy students make better learners,” said Carol Williams, NUSD Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services.
“Teri Burns has spent her career spearheading efforts in health and educational reform, not only in Natomas but in all of California,” Williams added in a tribute to the honoree, who has served 30 years on the Board of Trustees.
Attendees at Friday’s ribbon cutting included state Sen. Richard Pan, MD; Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, former NUSD Trustees Gene Inderkum and Bob Reinhard, and former District Superintendents General Davie, Bobbie Plough and David Tooker.
Posted below is a collage of photos from today’s event.
