Senators announce funding for Detroit school-based health center

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) Wednesday announced $200,000 in funding for the Community Health and Social Services Center (CHASS) to provide physical and mental health care services at Cezar Chaves Academy High School. There are 140 school-based health centers in Michigan, which play a crucial role in providing health care to students who have limited access to medical care outside of school. Senator Stabenow secured these funds in the recent government funding bill.

School-based health centers provide a combination of primary care, mental health care, substance use disorder counseling, case management, dental health, nutrition education, health education and health promotion activities.

“School-based health centers play an important role in providing care to so many children who don’t have access to a family doctor,” said Stabenow. “They are also meeting a critical need for mental health services for children impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. CHASS Center has already done such wonderful work in the community. I am glad they will be able to provide care to even more students.”

“The pandemic put an even greater spotlight on the need to invest in our school-based health centers – which play an important role in providing care as well as mental health support to students, faculty, and school staff every single day,” said Peters. “These federal resources will help the CHASS Center improve access to essential services at Cezar Chaves Academy High School in Detroit, and ensure students are getting the support they need to be successful.”

“CHASS Center is grateful for the opportunity to expand services to more members of our community. Bringing comprehensive health and wellness services to schools gives us access to students and families that may not see a medical provider on a regular basis. We are thankful for the continued leadership and support from Senators Stabenow and Peters for our mission of improving the quality of life of those we serve,” said Felix Valvuena, CEO of Community Health and Social Services Center.

School-based health centers have continued to provide services to their patients throughout the COVID-19 crisis, with more than half of the centers offering telehealth services. Throughout the pandemic, school-based health centers have seen a 73% increase in the use of vital mental health services by children and adolescents. School-based health centers also regularly help coordinate school COVID-19 responses to keep students, teachers, and other employees safe.