The Coalition is calling on Governor Cuomo to hold school-based health centers harmless from any reductions in funds in the 2012-2013 budget. 

What Can You Do To Help?

Send Governor Cuomo a letter asking him to protect SBHCs in New York.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   to receive a sample letter.  Please ensure your letter is mailed to Governor Cuomo by 11/22/11. 

Background

The State’s 216 SBHCs provide primary, preventative, and mental health services to nearly 200,000 children in underserved rural, urban, and suburban areas. State funding for direct services to children and adolescents has already been reduced by 11%. 

If SBHCs receive further cuts, services will be reduced and more programs will be forced to close their doors. This past year, 15 SBHCs throughout the state were forced to close their doors as a result of multiple budgetary cuts. As a result of these SBHC closures over 6,000 uninsured or medically underserved children in our state have lost access to easily accessible and comprehensive health services.

SBHCs should be held harmless from all State Budget cuts because they save the State money by reducing costly hospitalizations and emergency visits. A study in the Bronx found that SBHCs reduced ER use and hospitalizations by half for asthmatic students.

SBHCs keep kids healthy and in school by providing them with primary, preventative, and mental health services on site. Studies show that students in schools with SBHCs are absent less and are more likely to graduate than those who have no access to a center.

The need for SBHCs has never been greater. The recession has created job losses and increased numbers of uninsured families. Families in your community rely on the centers to provide their children with necessary health care and counseling during these very stressful times.

Please support this vital health care safety net for children. Don’t cut ANY funds for SBHCs!