July 8, 2013
State Representative Michael D’Agostino has successfully secured the continued funding for the health clinic at Church Street Elementary School. Working in conjunction with the state Department of Public Health, Rep. D’Agostino was able to restore $30,000 in funding for the school-based health clinic (SBHC). The SBHC at Church Street Elementary will re-open in a new site and will be operated by the Yale Child Study Center once they are licensed.
“Following a request from Church Street principal, Horward Hornreich, I contacted the Department of Public Health. They agreed to work with the clinic to get next year’s contract approved beginning July 1, 2013,” said Rep. D’Agostino. “DPH will make sure that all paperwork is complete so that we have no issues.”
The clinic at the school provides counseling, mental health screening and health care for local students and their families. These services decrease hospitalization and Medicare expenditures, increases student attendance, and helps the school achieve early diagnosis and intervention for at-risk special education students. Renewal of the Center's contract with the state to provide services at the school was in jeopardy for next year due to budget cuts. The Center at the school was scheduled to close its doors permanently, when Rep. D’Agostino intervened.
Rep. D’Agostino is in his first term serving the 91st House District in Hamden.