of Omaha World-Herald The two-storey extension Benson High School It aims to meet a critical need for medical care in the North Omaha area.
Charles Drew Health Center, Methodist Health, Project Harmony and the University of Nebraska Medical Center will split use of the 10,000-square-foot space to serve both the school and the Benson neighborhood.
Students will be able to receive low-cost or free services depending on the service provider. The district will begin work on the $8 million construction project in early 2023.
The north entrance to Benson High School will be largely glass to allow natural light in. The main entrance will be surrounded by gardens and will include an outdoor learning staircase where students can gather before and after school. The school will also have a second learning staircase and a secure entrance to the clinic and high school.
The 2,500-square-foot Charles Drew Medical Clinic primarily provides dental services and is located on the first floor. It has two dental treatment rooms, three exam rooms and a study space.
A large staircase at the main entrance leads to the second floor, where there are offices, a shared break room and separate study spaces.
Community members, staff and students can access student training through Methodist, including family therapy, teacher training and parenting classes. Project Harmony, a resource for child abuse services and training, offers mental health and therapy sessions.
Benson High School students who attend the school’s health professions academy will work alongside health care workers, said Angela Johannek, a college and career academy specialist at the school. The academy enrolls about 350 Benson High School students.
“It’s also a way for our high school students to get real-life experience within the high school environment,” Johannek said. “They can work with professionals, talk to them and use them as a resource.”
