California Receives $14 Million for School-Based Health Centers
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today issued the following statement regarding the $14 million in grant funds issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to 35 school-based health centers in California:
"These federal grants reinforce what educators know: good health contributes to student success.
"Missed school time is missed learning time. Students who aren’t in school or have trouble concentrating because of illnesses or chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, have greater difficulty staying engaged in their education.
"School-based health centers, especially when paired with a credentialed school nurse, are an effective way to offer quality services in a safe, familiar, accessible, and youth-focused environment.
"I applaud the efforts of the health and education communities working together for the sake of California’s children. Everyone benefits when our students are healthy, in school, and ready to learn."
A complete list of the grantees may be found at: School-Based Health Center Capital Program: July 2011 Grantees (Outside Source).
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
