HR0144 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0144 LRB101 11314 MST 56726 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 66 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 healthcare, and nutrition education; and

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

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

WHEREAS, School-based health centers contain healthcare 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 HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we support the 66 school-based health centers as vital providers of comprehensive healthcare for Illinois' children and adolescents; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we declare February 2019 as "School-Based Healthcare Awareness Month" and encourage all Illinoisans to join in this observance.