How Do We Change the Way We Do Business for the Health of Our Students?

Abstract

It is time to focus on the linkage to community for preventive care, case-managed care, and follow-up on referrals and resources. As health care reform continues to inch closer every day, schools have to work smarter, not harder, to make a difference in the lives of every child in each and every classroom. Together we can make a difference. I close with this quote from Edward Schor (2007), author of EPSDT and School Readiness: Well-child care seeks to optimize children's health and development, preparing them for school and life beyond. The child health component of Medicaid, EPSDT, was designed with a similar objective, which is reflected in the EPSDT program's comprehensive benefit package, its preventive standard of care, and its case management functions. Given the vulnerability of young children from low-income families to poor health, poor educational attainment, and low-income lifelong productivity or social dependence, comprehensive well-child care represents a good investment for society. EPSDT plays an essential role helping low-income children be ready for school and life beyond. (p. 427).