Albert Lea School District staff and dependents on the district’s health insurance plan are seeing savings from free preventative care provided by the district.

Well @ Work, at Brookside Education Center, is provided through HealthPartners and has been in place at the district for two years.

Employees receive different types of care at the clinic, such as preventative care, chronic condition management, prescriptions, lab tests, cold and flu treatment, as well as treatment for seasonal allergies, sinus infections, strep throat, ear infections, minor injuries and immunizations.

Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure and cholesterol prescriptions are available.

Appointments must be set up ahead of time.

Deputy Superintendent Lori Volz said the clinic is a convenient way for employees to receive medical care, and it is fiscally efficient.

“This is a very economical way to receive medical care,” Volz said, noting if employees under the plan visited a different health care provider, the cost would go toward a deductible. For employees and dependents who attend the Brookside clinic, it is free.

She said new hires are given a tour of the clinic.

“We’ve been continuing to promote the clinic and what it can offer,” Volz said, noting patient visits have increased substantially and statistics show patients have saved money.

The clinic — in an area that used to be a locker room —  includes two patient rooms, a storage room, restroom and lab room.

Almost 500 district employees and dependents are eligible for the program.

Nurse practitioner Katherine Leppert said patients are thankful to be seen at the clinic.

“It’s very rewarding to work in this environment,” Leppert said.