The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will provide $1,950,387 in federal funding to Open Door for operating expenses and informed the organization that it could use funding to expand its school-based health-care operation to Ossining High School. “We cannot compromise when it comes to the health and well-being of our young people,” said Lowey. “I’m thrilled that Open Door is now able to partner with Ossining High School to put basic health care services within arm’s reach of hundreds of students. We need to do all we can to make it easier for families to access quality health care, and I will continue to protect funding for critical programs that do just that in my role as ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee.”
With parents’ permission, the health center will provide the school’s 1,300 students the opportunity to access no-cost primary health-care services such as physicals, immunizations, wellness visits, chronic disease management, hearing and vision screenings, and mental health screenings. The health center will also help students and their families manage significant health concerns including asthma and obesity. “We’re very excited,” said Ossining Schools Siperintendent Raymond Sanchez. “We had a committee that explored this opportunity, and we know it will be beneficial to our students. Research shows that wellness influences student achievement. Philosophically, we agree this will have a direct impact. Students who are healthy are better prepared and ready to learn. This helps us achieve a robust level of resources, and, of course, Open Door is a great organization.”
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