School-based outreach initiative: Part V, Working with the legislature

Schools have the potential to be more to the community then just the “school”. Schools can be the heart of the community and a place where much activity takes place. Schools are the venue for education, and can become the same for enrollment into medical and social service programs that assist families with the resources needed to make their children successful. This includes school-based outreach for enrollment into health insurance programs.

Recommendations to the legislatures, on both federal and state levels include; funding school-based outreach programs, duplicating current efforts in states such as Oregon and California, establishing a school-based outreach state coordinator, and centralizing data and efforts.

Centralizing efforts reduces duplication. Efforts can then be focused on enrollment activities and assisting with medical home placement. This can be a place for resources and policy development. The school-based outreach initiative has the potential to provide this Oregon and beyond. The model has been developed, the tools, policies and procedures are in place. Children deserve a healthy chance to learn and grow.

School administrators understand and support school-based programs in their schools. “Learning readiness has to precede actual learning. All of us, including students need to have our physical, emotional and health needs met before we can focus on our jobs or academics. Health issues, especially in younger children can be a huge distraction. Simply put, we need to educate and care for the whole child; you can't separate one element from the other”