Bassett Healthcare Network ensures healthcare access for school children
In rural central New York, many children live at or below the poverty level in communities where healthcare is not available. Children are among those least likely to receive routine healthcare and be insured, and most likely to require emergency medical services. Recognizing this gap in healthcare, Bassett Healthcare Network established its School-Based Health program, the largest rural program of its kind in New York state.
Bassett’s SBH program delivers primary health services to as many students as possible. Being the first line of defense against avoidable hospital admissions, emergency room and acute care visits, Bassett’s SBH centers provide consistent care for students and ensure that chronic issues are cared for properly. The program provides:
- comprehensive physical examinations;
- treatment of common childhood illnesses;
- chronic care for long-term health problems, such as asthma, depression and obesity;
- preventive and restorative dental services; and
- mental health services.
Bassett’s program ensures easy access within schools to high-quality healthcare for students from pre-k through 12th grade. SBH services are available to all students regardless of income.
More than 7,000 children are enrolled at 22 sites in 18 school districts across four counties.
For more information about this program, contact Jim Feldman, manager, public relations, at 607.547.7801 or james.feldman@bassett.org.
