Among the challenges low-income families face, access to healthcare is just as much a concern as receiving a quality education. We are working to improve healthcare access for our at-risk students through a new partnership that co-locates a clinic at a learning center.
“We do everything we can to make wraparound services available so our students can concentrate on earning their diploma,” explained Shellie Hanes, area superintendent. “Most of our teens do not have access to healthcare, so bringing this service on site is a huge advantage to our students, especially our teen moms.”
United Health Centers (UHC) of the San Joaquin Valley has opened a clinic adjacent to Learn4Life Fresno in Manchester Center, so students and their families can access healthcare, including physicals, immunizations, dental and vision. The clinic has committed to providing students with licensed dental, medical and optometry screenings, behavioral health assessments, vaccinations, prenatal services and health education classes. A certified enrollment specialist can help enroll students in Medi-Cal, Covered California and CalFresh. Free COVID-19 testing is available on site.
“We are optimistic about the success of this program and envision a rollout to more of our schools,” Hanes added.