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Health insurance coverage is one of the strongest predictors of whether children have access to health care. Yet beyond the estimated 180,000 Colorado children who are uninsured, insured children also are not guaranteed access to affordable, appropriate, high-quality care. To grow, learn and thrive, all children need timely access to physical, oral and mental health services, and school-based clinics are increasingly understood to be an important strategy to improve child health. These clinics provide a familiar, easy way for families to make sure that their children receive immunizations, have access to primary and preventive care, and improved access to specialized care.
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Wesley, 11, suffers from mental retardation and severe ADHD. Jordan, 7, has similar afflictions along with cerebral palsy; he struggles with his speech and most people can’t understand him. But with a new school-based health clinic opening in the Cripple Creek-Victor School District, Warrick hopes the familiar setting will reduce his boys’ anxiety and keep them on track at school. Through The Trust’s Colorado School Health Improvement effort, the clinic offers a full spectrum of care – including medical, dental and mental health care services for children in schools, as well as their siblings from infants to age 21. It’s anticipated that simple sign-up procedures and streamlined care will improve access for some 800 patients, and reduce the stigma for children who need help – whether they suffer from asthma, eating disorders, autism or tooth decay. “We’re really working toward a holistic approach to the well-being of students,” said Martha Hubbard, a public health nurse for Teller County. “We know that healthy kids are better students.” For Warrick, the bottom line is that he believes this clinic will improve his boys’ quality of life by giving them “as normal a life as possible.” |
