Serrano Announces $500K Grant for Morris Heights Health Center

Washington, DC — Congressman José E. Serrano today announced that the Bronx-based Morris Heights Health Center had been given a $500,000 grant to build more school-based health centers. With this grant Morris Heights Health Center will increase their presence to 16 Bronx schools, serving thousands of students.

“The work that the Morris Heights Health Center does is legendary in the Bronx,” said Congressman Serrano. “Over the years this organization has helped so many people and treated health disorders that would have otherwise gone untreated. Announcing this grant is a true pleasure, because I know that it will enable MHHC to do more of their work, and improve the health of more people. Most importantly, the new centers will be based in schools—serving our children. There is no better use of government funds than ensuring that our children get the health care that they need. I applaud the work that MHHC is doing, and look forward to hearing about their future successes.

“We are delighted to have this award enabling us to expand our integrated medical, social and mental health services to two additional schools,” said Verona Greenland, President and CEO of the Morris Heights Health Center. “Having these vital school-based programs creates ease of access to care, minimizes school absences, and reduces disruptions in parents’ work life. Equally important is the creation of healthy minds so that our children can remain in school, learn, thrive, and become healthy and powerful adults.”

Morris Heights Health Center was awarded $500,000 to establish two School Based Health Centers at PS 109 located at 1771 Popham Avenue and Mott Hall High School Campus at 250 E 164th Street. Funds were made available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Grants For School-Based Health Centers Capital Program.

PS 109 serves 860 students in grades K through 5.  The work at PS 109 will involve a complete renovation of the current space (1,683 sq. ft.) to convert it into a state-of-the-art clinic with three exam rooms and spaces for social work services, health education and group counseling as well as a waiting area and bathroom facilities.

The Mott Hall High School Campus houses three schools: Grant Elementary School (grades K-5); Science and Technology Academy (grades 6-8); and Bronx Early College Academy (grades 9-12).  All together the schools serve over 1,100 students.  The work at the Mott Hall Campus will involve renovating the current space allocated for the clinic (596 sq. ft.) and converting it into a state-of-the-art health care center with three exam rooms, an office for social services, a waiting area and a bathroom.

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