A seismic event that will pay dividends for children, their families and the future of Fresno took place last week.
What was it?
The Fresno Unified School District Board of Trustees’ decision Feb. 8 to open six new school-based health centers over the next two school years.
We believe that the partnership forged by Fresno Unified, Clinica Sierra Vista and Valley Children’s Healthcare should inspire other community leaders and organizations to find new ways to team up for the good of everyone.
This school health center effort is not a leap of faith. The decision to move ahead is based on proven results – there are 2,000 school-based health centers nationwide and 243 in California – and Fresno Unified’s experience with the Gaston Health and Wellness Center.
That clinic was built into Gaston Middle School, which opened in 2014. It is projecting 5,500 visits for this school year, which demonstrates that there is a need. In addition, the center has had a positive impact on students. Grades and attendance are improving. The center is financially sustainable, which isn’t a surprise because that has been the case in other communities.
Why should schools have health centers?
The answer begins with facts as basic as these: Healthy children do better in school. They attend classes more often and are more attentive.
In Fresno, there is limited health access for poor residents, and one of the biggest barriers is transportation. By providing health care services at neighborhood schools, Fresno Unified and its partners are dramatically closing the distance for students and their families.
To read the full article by the Fresno Bee editorial board read HERE
Comments (0)