School Based Health Center Coming To Pawcatuck Middle School

will be getting a School Based Health Center according to press release from state Rep. Diana Urban (D-Stonington and North Stonington). Here is a copy of the press release

State Representative Diana Urban (D-North Stonington/Stonington) announced that Pawcatuck Middle School will be getting a School Based Health Center.

“The School Based Health Center supports children's total health care,” said Urban. “We have found that they significantly reduce absenteeism and by being available in the school can often avoid a health crisis. We chose centrally located Pawcatuck Middle School to house our School Based Health Center so it can be easily accessed by all our schools. I am also happy to report that in discussions with Stonington’s administration we will be collecting data on the results of having a School Based Health Center and including it in the Statewide Children's Report Card which tracks the success of our programs that support children and families. This is just a wonderful addition to our community."

"School Based Health Centers are fantastic resources for students and their families. They allow children to receive the medical attention they need, even if they cannot afford it, with minimal time spent out of the classroom. I am very glad the state will be helping to support the health and wellbeing of students at Pawcatuck Middle School," said Senator Andrew Maynard (D-Stonington).

Urban, who Co-Chairs the Children’s Committee and fought for the new health center, explained that a school based health center is more than a school nurse's office.

Connecticut's School Based Health Centers (SBHCs) are comprehensive primary health care facilities staffed by teams of pediatric and adolescent health specialists, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, physicians and in some cases, dentists and dental hygienists.
"Stonington's Public Schools are indebted to the advocacy of Representative Urban and Senator Maynard on behalf of the youth of our community,” said Leanne Masterjoseph, Superintendent of Stonington Schools. “The services provided by a School Based Health Center will directly advance our efforts to increase overall wellness and student achievement. We are over-the-moon with excitement about this otherwise unattainable level of support for our children!”

SBHCs see students regardless of ability to pay or insurance coverage. All services are confidential and parents must sign a Parent Permission Form for students to receive services.

"We are absolutely thrilled that Stonington Schools will be able to house a School Based Health Center at Pawcatuck Middle School. This is a huge win for our students, their families and the entire community,” said Virginia Brown, Stonington Public Schools Director of Special Services. “The health center will allow us to further support our students' emotional and physical needs while providing staff who work with our students each day the ability to collaborate with health providers on site. We are positive that this will decrease absenteeism and provide students with needed supports and service which will lead to increased student achievement.  We could not be happier about the School Based Health Center and the possibilities.”

The Pawcatuck Middle School’s health center was finalized by the legislature earlier this week.