Tri-City parents looking for immunizations for their kids, early childhood check-ups and other support can soon visit a Port Coquitlam school for care.
This week, Fraser Health announced it will be leasing out space at James Park elementary (1761 Westminster Ave.) for its public health unit.
The move comes after Fraser Health closed its unit at the city-owned building on Wilson Avenue last November due to safety concerns. As a result of the closure, programs and services were temporarily relocated to the public health unit at NewPort Village in Port Moody.
Starting June 1, child health clinics will be offered at James Park elementary on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon as well as on July 3 and Aug. 7; Fraser Health will also be looking at a permanent Friday time slot.
And the Best Beginnings program will also run out of James Park, by appointment Monday to Friday as needed.
However, adults needing a jab or speech language services will have to travel to the NewPort public health unit.
In an email to The Tri-City News on Tuesday, Fraser Health said it's been working for four years on a partnership with School District 43 to lease space within the new learning concept building at James Park elementary.
"Consultation was undertaken in partnership with the Coquitlam school district to identify the needs of the community and set the parametres for the space," it stated. "One of these requirements is to ensure our public health services are focused on school-aged children."
Meanwhile, the city of PoCo expects to demolish the 44-year-old building on Wilson Avenue before the end of August.
@jwarrenTC
