Letter: Resident Advocates for Full Funding of School Based Health Center

Written by Adam Sendroff

To the Editor:

I am writing to advocate for full funding of Connecticut School Based Health Centers. The School Based Health Centers at Hamden High School and Church Street Elementary School treat hundreds of Hamden students and support their health, welfare, and education.

The proposed cuts to current funding levels would be detrimental to these programs and to the children served by them, many of whom are at-risk.

School Based Health Centers across the state provide easy and quick access to much needed medical and mental health care services to children who otherwise might not receive them. Providing medical and mental health visits within schools keep students in the buildings, increases attendance, and is beneficial to their education. Wrap-around services like School Based Health Centers are key initiatives to help overcome barriers to learning that are often associated with poverty.

At the Super Kids Health Center at Church Street School students have access to a range of primary and preventative healthcare services. For example, physicals and vaccines are administered, children with asthma are treated, Asthma Action Plans are developed, and children have access to behavioral health services that are effective in improving their psychosocial functioning.

The APRN at the Church Street health clinic currently works 24 hours a week. That amount of time allows her to see only a limited number of students.

If the proposed budget reductions occur she would see even fewer students in need of help. The situation will be aggravated further next year because the student population at Church Street will be increasing with the addition of two new classrooms.

I urge the Connecticut General Assembly to keep in mind School Based Health Centers in Hamden and around the state as they work on the final budget, and consider what a reduction of services could mean to the affected students, families, schools, and communities.

Adam Sendroff

Super Kids Health Center at Church Street School Advisory Board

Hamden Board of Education, Secretary

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