Children’s Aid is lucky to have so many parents who are deeply engaged in their children’s well-being. Dozens of them trekked to the state capital last week—along with students and staff—for another successful advocacy day for school-based health centers (SBHCs). In partnership with the New York School-Based Health Alliance, we asked our state legislators to a) support Gov. Cuomo's $20.6 million budget for SBHCs, b) add $3.8 million to bring us to previous year's level of funding, and c) to extend the deadline for big changes to the way Medicaid treats services at SBHCs. We heard from SBHC champions like Assembly member Richard Gottfried and received immediate results from legislators who signed the Governor’s sign-on letter. We had two buses from Children’s Aid—one from Washington Heights with parents from MSC and SU Campus, and another one from Staten Island with Curtis High School students. All told, 60 activists made the trip, including 22 students, 29 parents, and 9 staff.
One mother, Maria Morales, explained the effect the SBHC has had in her child’s life due to severe asthma: “I consider it of vital importance to continue supporting the SBHCs for the great care that they offer our children and fighting for our community for a better life. I hope our legislators support this noble cause.”