Maine East alumni raise $15,000 for school health center

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Dr. Marjorie Getz, center, a 1971 graduate of Maine East High School, presents a check for District 207's School-Based Health Center to Superintendent Ken Wallace, left, and School Board member Eldon Burk. | Contributed photo

Updated: March 5, 2012 1:52AM

The Maine East High School Class of 1971 reunion was much more than a dinner and a chance to catch up with old high school friends.

The Reunion Committee raised nearly $15,000 for the School-Based Health Center at Maine East in Park Ridge. The check was presented at a recent Maine Township High School District 207 school board meeting.

The School-Based Health Center for District 207 serves students at all three high schools.

“The teachers at Maine East cared deeply about our well-being,” said Dr. Marjorie Getz, a 1971 Maine East graduate. “It’s a natural thing to give back to the school.”

Getz is a member of the Reunion Committee and the School-Based Health Center Committee. She does educational consultation in the pediatrics department at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

Getz said that as a result of the $15,000 donation, 700 physicals will be given to District 207 students who are uninsured.

“We are so appreciative,” said Kathy Malyszko, mental health counselor at the School-Based Health Center. “Adolescents are the most underserved population as far as healthcare goes.”

The health center provides all the services students would receive at a doctor’s office, such as physicals, sports physicals, immunizations, diagnosis of chronic illnesses and more.

Mental health services to treat eating disorders and individual and family counseling services are also provided free of charge.

Malyszko said that the health center receives money from a state grant, but continues to have a $40,000 deficit each year. The center depends on fund-raising and donations to successfully serve the students. Students also collect money themselves for the health center.

“We take everything we can get,” said Malyszko. “Every little bit helps.”

Malyszko said that Getz is very enthusiastic and is one of their “biggest champions.”

Getz said she had just moved with her family from Chicago when she started attending Maine East. She recalled the teachers making her feel welcome in a new environment.

“When I walk those halls, I’m transported back in time,” Getz said.