U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today announced funding to establish new school-based health centers in Ingham County to improve children's access to basic health services. Ingham County received support through the School-Based Health Center Capital Program, which was authored by Senator Stabenow. The program provides school-based health centers with critical resources for construction, renovation and equipment needs. In Michigan, there are more than 100 school-based and school-linked health centers serving more than 200,000 students.

Ingham County will receive $500,000 to purchase a 40-ft mobile unit that will be equipped with two exam rooms to provide basic medical and dental health care services to children in schools throughout Ingham County. The grant will also be used to purchase equipment for a new school-based health center at Lansing Eastern High School, which will open next year.

Senator Stabenow said: "During these difficult economic times, it's essential that we all work together to make sure our children receive the health care they need. Too many children across our state do not have access to a family doctor. I'm pleased my initiative will help Ingham County schools provide basic medical and dental care to students during the school day. "

Robin Turner, Chair of the Ingham Community Health Center Board said: "Ingham County is proud to be a recipient of one of the HRSA grants for school-based health centers that Senator Stabenow's leadership was instrumental in securing. Her influence and advocacy for school-based health centers as a viable source of primary care for children and youth, and her care for Ingham County has provided enormous benefits to children and youth. This bus will provide primary care and dental care in the Lansing area, along with equipment for our newest school-based health center at Lansing Eastern High School - our 2nd Lansing high school to have a school-based health center."
School-based health centers play a major role in providing basic health services for students who do not have access to medical care. Typically, a school-based clinic provides a combination of primary care, mental health care, substance abuse counseling, case management, dental health, nutrition education, health education and health promotion activities.

The Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, oversees the School-Based Health Center Capital Program.