HR0841 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0841 LRB100 20116 MST 35399 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, All young people deserve to be healthy, have access to care, and thrive; and

WHEREAS, For over 35 years, school-based health centers have provided primary care in or near schools across Illinois; and

WHEREAS, There are currently 65 school-based health centers in the State of Illinois reaching over 50,000 children and adolescents; and

WHEREAS, School-based health centers are a critical safety net program, with over 85% of users enrolled in Medicaid or uninsured; and

WHEREAS, School-based health centers provide comprehensive services, including: physical exams, acute and well care visits, immunizations, behavioral health counseling, chronic disease management, vision and oral health care, and nutrition education; and

WHEREAS, Behavioral health providers are able to address student trauma and chronic stress, substance abuse prevention, and provide counseling where students spend the majority of their time: in school; and

WHEREAS, School-based health centers not only improve health outcomes, but also increase academic performance and reduce high school dropout rates; and

WHEREAS, School-based health centers contain health care costs by eliminating access barriers, reducing emergency department visits, and managing chronic health conditions; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the 65 school-based health centers as vital providers of comprehensive health care for the children and adolescents of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize February 2018 as "School-Based Health Center Awareness Month" and encourage all Illinoisans to join in this observance.