APS to receive $475,000 in federal grants for health clinics

The Aurora Public Schools District is set to receive $475,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand and modernize its school-based health centers.

The money comes as part of $14 million distributed to school clinics across the country as part of the Affordable Care Act, health care legislation approved by Congress in 2010. APS currently operates school-based health clinics at Laredo and Crawford elementary schools. Last year, the facility at Crawford saw an estimated 1,300 visits, while the health center at Laredo, which opened earlier this year, drew about 500 patients.

“We currently operate our two clinics out of classrooms, so this grant will allow us some security in knowing that we have our own site on campus, that won’t be affected by enrollment changes,” said APS Health Service Director Mary Beth Rensberger in a statement.  “The grant will also allow us to expand our accessibility because we can now continue to provide services during school breaks and holidays.”

The $14 million grant will fund 45 school-based clinics in 29 states across the country. At schools like Laredo, the need for such resources is clear — approximately 85 percent of Laredo’s students qualify for free or reduced lunch. What’s more, 62 percent of the students receive coverage under a public insurance, Medicaid or the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program; 27 percent of the students are uninsured.

“School-based health centers provide a world of good for students who can’t afford health insurance or primary care doctors’ visits, or whose parents may not be able to take them to the doctor in the middle of the day,” said Know Your Care Colorado spokeswoman Courtney Law in a statement. “This grant will ensure that Aurora school children can get the health care services they need and deserve.”