The Illinois Department of Public Health has awarded a $50,000 planning grant to Promise Healthcare, a Federally Qualified Community Health Center based in Champaign. The grant will be used towards plans to establish a school-based health center in partnership with Champaign Unit 4 Schools.
The development of a school-based health center “aligns with our mission to improve the health and well-being of the diverse communities we serve by providing high-quality, equitable healthcare to people of all ages,” said Promise Healthcare CEO Jennifer Henry in a recent press release.
Currently, Promise Healthcare operates school-based health centers in partnership with Urbana School District #116 and Rantoul City Schools #137.
“Many of our students and families lack access to healthcare for various reasons, so a school-based center removes some of those barriers to bring healthcare directly to them,” said Dr. Shelia Boozer, superintendent of Champaign Unit 4 Schools.
Both Henry and Dr. Boozer have stated that implementing a new school-based health center could reduce the number of student absences — thereby improving focus in the classroom.
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“With easier access to checkups, preventative care and treatment of minor illnesses, students can experience better overall health and well-being,” Dr. Boozer said.
Additional information can be found on Promise Healthcare’s website.
