Dr. Caroline Barangan recognized for effort to make elementary school health center a reality
Back to All News Items05-13-2009
Author: Edgar Antonio Nunez - (email)
LAS VEGAS, NEV. - The University of Nevada School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics in Las Vegas was recognized in the development and planning of the Matt Kelly Elementary School Health Center through the efforts of Caroline Barangan, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics, director of adolescent medicine and the pediatric residency community rotation.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 8 included representatives from the Las Vegas community and State of Nevada. Recognition certificates were received from Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman’s office, as well as, members of the Las Vegas City Council, the Nevada Youth Alliance and the offices of U.S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign.
The health center, located at the elementary school, will offer medical evaluations to children as needed and at no cost, as well as, provide workshops to students and parents on a range of issues, including physical and mental health, hygiene, oral care, asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and smoking cessation.
"The idea for the health center was first proposed by David Osman at the Nevada Youth Alliance and we've collaborated on ways to provide services to youth affected by gang violence in the community," says Dr. Barangan.
"The very fact that, from idea to completion, the health center took only three months to finish is a miracle to me."
Dr. Barangan will be assisted by the School of Medicine's pediatric residents as part of their training and will offer these young physicians insight into understanding first-hand the needs of children in a community setting.
The health center is a collaboration between the University of Nevada School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Nevada Youth Alliance and the Clark County School District.
University Health System, the clinical practice of the University of Nevada School of Medicine, offers care in more than 40 medical specialties and subspecialties with physician offices in Las Vegas and Reno. As the largest multispecialty health care focus in the state, University Health System's more than 300 doctors practice and teach medicine throughout Nevada. For more information visit www.uhsnevada.org.
FUZE