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 September 26, 2006...“Healthy Students + Healthy Schools = Best Learning Opportunity.” That’s the formula for success that was advanced yesterday by Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) and health care leaders as thousands of Massachusetts students returned to school.
“Since students spend most of their day in school, it is important to provide the best learning environment and health services possible to them,” Senator Moore said. “Families should be able to send their children to school knowing that a strong support system is in place that allows them to focus on their studies and not their medical needs,” said Senator Moore, Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Committee on Health Care Financing, and a leader in efforts to improve school health programs and access to care.
Programs that promote student health were at the top of the agenda for speakers representing several state agencies and health advocacy groups at an event held at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (Blackstone Valley RVTHS). School–based health center and community health agencies have successfully partnered up to improve the health of young people in the state. Blackstone Valley Tech’s school-based health center is the only facility in Senator Moore’s district.
Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick, Superintendent Director of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School welcomed the group and lauded the school’s health center as well as Senator Moore’s efforts to expand access to health care.
“The Blackstone Valley District, and for that matter the Commonwealth, is most fortunate to have Senator Moore’s leadership. He serves as an effective legislative catalyst for promoting proper health and nutrition for citizens of all ages. Our health partnerships have flourished as a direct result.”
“Our health center partnership among Milford Regional Hospital, Blackstone Valley Tech, and the Department of Public Health has benefited tremendously from Senator Moore’s consistent support. We are in our fifth year at Valley Tech and our mission remains strong to protect and support our students’ physical and emotional health,” said Jean Vazza, Program Director of the Blackstone Valley (RVTHS) School Based Health Center.
Christina Rivera a student at the Blackstone Valley (RVTHS) said “The health center is very important to me. It is very convenient. I don’t have to make appointments outside of the school. I can do it right here. That means a great deal to me.”
Today, the role of school nurses and health centers have changed to provide more intricate care and services to the address the different needs of students. Learning environment, health awareness and prevention, suitable wellness plans are just a few factors that contribute to the academic success of children.
Sharon A. Gale, MS, RN, Executive Director, Massachusetts Organization of Nurse Executives, also acknowledged Senator Moore’s leadership stating, “The Massachusetts Organization of Nurse Executives (MONE) commends Senator Moore for his outstanding leadership and commitment to ensuring the delivery of quality health care in all settings, including Massachusetts schools. “
Senator Moore and the other school health advocates in attendance said the focus of today’s event was to remind everyone of the importance of promoting healthy students and encouraging schools to foster health through services provided by school based health centers.
Ernia P. Hughes, Executive Director, Massachusetts Coalition of School-Based Health Centers was among the advocates in attendance. "At the crossroads of both health and education, the Massachusetts’ school-based health centers are addressing two major aspects of children’s lives. School-based health centers are a viable, even central, part of providing for the health and well-being of school children as they offer an unrivaled venue for age appropriate, accessible, affordable healthcare,” said Hughes. “The Massachusetts Coalition of School-Based Health Centers recognizes Senator Moore as a true champion of children's health and we thank him for his support of school-based health centers, which further demonstrates his commitment to keep kids healthy and ready to learn."
Janice B. Yost, Ed.D., President and CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, stressed the importance of access to care. “Children cannot learn when they are distracted by health issues. School-based health centers, because they are so easily accessible for children, can be the important first step in assuring that children receive the care they need. For example, school-based health centers have been critical partners in addressing the oral health crisis by facilitating preventive measures, such as fluoride rinses and sealants, and in screening children and referring them for treatment of dental decay,” explained Yost. Since 2000, The Health Foundation has made grants totaling nearly $6 million to address the oral health crisis.
"School nurses are on the front-line of ensuring healthy students, who in turn are better learners., said Beth Piknick,” President, Massachusetts Nurses Association. “We applaud the efforts of the legislature in their continued efforts and commitment on school nursing services."
Health Care for All, one of the state’s leading health care advocacy groups, also expressed strong support for outreach to help enroll uninsured families who may be eligible for public health insurance for their children. The Back-to-School Campaign is part of a national campaign during late summer and early fall to encourage parents to get health insurance for their children. The campaign is coordinated in Massachusetts by the Covering Kids and Families Initiative at Health Care for All with funding by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
“School nurses serve as a great resource for children and families,” said Michaela Lincoln, Child Health Outreach Fellow at Health Care for All. “Often, they are a student’s first link to health care and information. As the new school year begins, we must support school nurses and provide access to health coverage and services that ensure students live healthier lives and achieve in school.”
Those individuals and organizations attending the event, in addition to Senator Moore and representatives at Blackstone Valley Tech were: Health Care for All, Massachusetts Coalition of School-Based Health, Massachusetts Organization of Nurse Executives (MONE), Massachusetts Nurses Association: (MNA), Massachusetts School Nurses Organization (MSNO), the Milford Regional Medical Center, the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts and the MA Department of Public Health, Division of Primary Care and Access.
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