ONTARIO, Ohio –Avita Health System is no longer providing medical services for Ontario Local Schools’ employees and their immediate family members at Stingel Elementary School.
This decision was made Wednesday, Dec. 3, according to Kelby King, Marketing and Community Relations Manager at Avita Health System. “Avita and Dr. [Julie] Beard carefully weighed options over the last few weeks and the decision was made yesterday to pull out,” she stated.
“As a result of the concerns verbalized by parents regarding Dr. Beard’s service in the Stingel school location for seven hours a month, Avita has decided to discontinue the service at the school location,” King said. “We were hopeful that this arrangement would be positive for the school staff members; however, we also feel that negative attention is not acceptable. Our decision to leave does not in any way affect our continued desire to collaborate with Ontario Schools.”
Through a partnership between Avita Health System and Ontario Schools, Ontario school employees and their immediate family members had the opportunity to be seen by Dr. Julie Beard for health care at an office space in Stingel Elementary.
These services began Oct. 6 and were offered the first and third Monday of every month from 2:30 – 6 p.m. by appointment only.
“The care given at the school location was mostly preventative (physicals, flu shots, vaccines), as well as a few acute visits, such as shoulder and knee pain. We tossed around the idea of closing this service off to family members; however, decided it made better sense to keep Dr. Beard in her primary care office, now in Ontario,” said King.
She noted, “The staff members could see any medical provider they chose. Dr. Beard was simply there for convenience and because of her long-term relationship with the Ontario School system.”
The services were provided at no cost to the district. “The school did not pay Avita to be at the school. Avita did not pay the school to be in the school. Health care services provided were charged, however, just like any physician visit,” said King.
Superintendent Lisa Carmichael previously described the intent of the services. “We wanted to reduce our absenteeism among our teachers. Teachers can only use half-a-day or a full day of sick leave if they have to go to the doctor. Through this, they can use their lunch or their prep period and they can go and see Dr. Beard. So from my perspective, that was going to save us the cost securing a substitute and reduce our absenteeism,” she explained.
Carmichael could not be reached to comment about Avita’s decision.
King said no arrangement has been made with Ontario Schools to provide this service to teachers and their family at another site.
King stated, “It is discouraging to see some of the statements surrounding this issue. However, we take negative attention very seriously and need to address it. Dr. Beard served as the Ontario team physician for over 15 years, at no cost to the Ontario School System. In regard to the police rumors, Avita had no discussion with the Ontario Police regarding the use of space and did not force them out. Avita supports the police and values their presence in the school. We commend Dr. Beard for her personal investment in Ontario Schools, as well as that of her husband. Since 2003, Dr. Beard’s husband has volunteered many hours painting the Ontario field for home games. Avita remains wholly supportive in Ontario Schools and look forward to a continued relationship.”
