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UNPRECEDENTED VICTORY FOR SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CARE IN HEALTH REFORM
Bill will help the growing school-based health care movement in Oregon
(Washington,
DC) Last night, the House voted to pass the Senate’s Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act (HR 3590). The Senate bill includes two
important provisions for school-based health centers (SBHCs): language
authorizing a federal SBHC grant program that would provide $50 million
over five years, and an emergency appropriation that would provide $200
million for SBHCs over two years.
The following is a statement by Linda Jusczcak, Executive Director of the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care (NASBHC):
“Last night’s historic vote marks an unprecedented victory for
school-based health centers. On behalf of the 2,000 school-based health
centers across the country, we congratulate President Obama, his
Administration, and Congress for this great success.
 “School-based
health centers ensure that more than 1 million children and adolescents
across the country gain access to high quality, comprehensive medical
care, mental health services, preventive care, social services, and
youth development. These services are provided without concern for
students’ ability to pay and in a location that meets children and
adolescents where they are: at school.
“Now, thanks to this legislation and the path it creates towards
future reform, fewer school-based health centers will be forced to
shutter their doors because of state budget cuts, and more communities
that desire to open a health clinic at their school will have the
critical resources to do so.
“We’re proud of the passionate and tireless efforts school-based
health center staff, advocates, and students have put into building
support for this historic legislation—including creating virtual tours
of their clinics, writing hundreds of letters, making thousands of
phone calls, and traveling to visit their Members of Congress. We look
forward to supporting other health care reform-related provisions
through the reconciliation process.”
SBHCs in Oregon
Oregon has 54 state certified school-based health centers,
located in 20 counties across the state and 14 planning grants have
been given to communities to develop new centers. The Oregon
School-Based Health Care Network’s policy director Liz Smith Currie
says, “Federal support for school-based health care dovetails nicely
with our state’s commitment to expanding access to quality health care
services in school. There is no better way to provide access to health
care to youth than to put it in school where children spend most of
their days. We couldn’t be more pleased with this provision.”
To learn more about the Oregon School-Based Health Care Network or to schedule an interview with Liz Smith Currie, contact her at 971-322-7988 or email liz@osbhcn.org.
 Oregon Public Health Week begins April 5, 2010... offers national speakers, activities, films and career fairs
Governor
Ted Kulongoski has proclaimed April 5 to 11 Public Health Week in
Oregon to stress the importance of promoting, protecting and
preserving health and quality of life for people in Oregon, which is a
major goal of the state.
“This is an important year for Oregon Public Health as we
transition into the Oregon Health Authority. This week celebrates,
informs and raises awareness about what public health is in our state
and how we all play a role in our health,” said Mel Kohn, M.D., M.P.H.,
director of Oregon Public Health.
Oregon Public Health Week kicks off Monday, April 5, with a host
of nationally renowned speakers, physical activities, films, a career
fair and a youth photo contest.
Read the press release here.
For the schedule of events and topics,
visit the website at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/spotlight/ph/2010a.shtml
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 Do you have news or announcements to share?
SBHC's activities to share in the School Health Bulletin
Paula Hester
Executive Director
503-813-6420
P.O. Box 12191, Portland, OR 97212
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