School-based health centers proposed

The Education Committee heard testimony March 12 that would allow a school-based health center to serve as a child’s primary care center.

LB275, introduced by Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, would authorize the creation of a grant program to fund health centers in eligible schools. The grants would be funded with an annual $200,000 of lottery proceeds over the next two fiscal years.

Nordquist said meeting the health needs of children has many benefits.

“If kids are not healthy, they can’t learn,” he said. “Studies have shown a reduction in tardiness and absenteeism in students who have access to school-based health centers.”

Eligible school districts must be located in an area that has been designated as a health profession shortage area or a medically underserved area and have a majority of students that are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

The state Department of Education would administer the grant program, which would provide 50 percent matching funds to assist with capital construction and startup costs related to the centers. The school districts would furnish the remaining funds.

The grant program would be subject to a June 30, 2015 sunset date.

Andrea Skolkin, CEO of One World Community Health Centers, supported the bill, saying simple conditions can become significant health issues if left untreated.

“Health-related conditions interfere with academic success, healthy relationships and engagement in school,” she said. “This will provide critical primary care access points for school-aged children who do not have them.”

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.