Senator Serrano Advocates for Funding of School-Based Health Centers

José M. Serrano

February 11, 2013

(Albany, NY)- Senator Serrano met student and parent advocates on behalf of The Children's Aid Society to discuss the important role they play within New York schools. They were among hundreds who rallied in Albany in support of preserving funding for school-based health centers (SBHCs). SBHCs are preventive health care centers that deliver onsite care to school children. 

"School-based health centers play an important part in our schools," said Senator Serrano. "They provide important services, such as reducing emergency room visits, access to mental health and dental care, and improving school attendance. In addition, SBHCs reduce ER use by half for asthmatic students, and enrolled children are less likely to be dismissed from school due to illness. It is imperative that SBHCs receive the funding necessary to keep our children healthy and in school," concluded Serrano.