4
Youth is dedicated to promoting School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) as the
ideal delivery model of health care for Native American youth. 4 Youth empowers
young people to advocate for services and policy changes to improve sustainability
and culturally appropriate care in SBHC's. 4 Youth believes that a SBHC should
be an accessible, youth-friendly place that addresses the health needs of youth.
The combined effects of poverty and lack of access to health care result
in some of the worst health disparities for children, particularly for Native
American children. 4Youth, a program of the New Mexico Assembly on School-Based
Health Care that is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, works in collaboration
with New Mexico Voices for Children, the Northwest Champions School-Based Health
Center Network, the Northern Navajo Medical Center, and the ACL Teen Centers (UNM-CHPDP).
The shared goal is to improve the health outcomes for Native American youth by
strengthening the quality and accessibility of SBHC services.
What are
School-Based Health Centers?
School-based health centers are primary health
care centers located within elementary, middle and high schools. They provide
comprehensive physical and behavioral health services to children and adolescents
regardless of their ability to pay. The centers emphasize prevention and early
detection of health problems and work with students, their families and communities
to encourage healthy lifestyles. School-based health centers increase access to
health care, improve health outcomes, reduce school absenteeism, and promote family
involvement. There are about 70 school-based health centers throughout NM.
Why
School-Based Health Centers?
New Mexico has the nation's highest rate of
uninsured children - one-fifth does not have health insurance. Native American
children account for 12% of New Mexico's youth population, and 40% of them lack
health insurance. To make matters worse, 70% of Native American children live
in areas where access to health care is extremely limited and 46 % live in poverty.
Over one-fourth of Native youth report that they receive no routine health care.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the primary healthcare delivery system
used by over one-third (38%) of Native American children in New Mexico IHS funding
is only about 59% of the funding needed to provide necessary health care to the
Native American people. Native Americans who rely on IHS are not assured access
to minimal levels of health care services.
While access to health care
remains bleak, hope is offered by a network of school-based health centers (SBHCs)
in Native American communities.
For more information about
school-based health centers see the website of the National
Assembly of School-Based Health Care.
For more information about 4 YOUTH
"Reaching Native American Youth Through School Based Health Care" please
contact:
Regina "Gina"
Begay-Roanhorse
Program Manager
(505) 244-9505 ext. 16
