Dear Editor,
As high school students in Albany, we are greatly concerned that many lack healthcare access. We must urge leaders to act and close this gap. School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) provide key services like immunizations and chronic disease management, supporting academic success and underserved populations (North and Dooley, 2020). In response to Dec 20. Sally Dreslin’s article, “The Future of School-Based Health Centers in New York”.
NYS Assembly Bill 8862 seeks to enhance funding for SBHCs in New York, improving access to essential health services for students in underserved communities, and we are concerned that Governor Hochul’s veto overlooks their urgent healthcare needs.
As students, we face the challenge of balancing academics and health. SBHCs provide vital mental and physical health services on campus, removing access barriers and providing safe spaces for families. Children, including us, spend most of their lives in school, SBHCs promote health in a familiar setting, enhancing academic and personal outcomes during crucial developmental years.
Governor Hochul’s veto is particularly troubling in light of the ongoing health challenges families currently face. It limits preventive care opportunities, potentially increasing emergency room visits and long-term health costs.
We urge the Governor and legislators to support the reinstatement of Assembly Bill 8862 to improve student health initiatives. Inadequate healthcare services for students are impacting our communities. Investing in student health today will create a healthier generation that positively contributes to society.
Sincerely,
Akshita Bandari & Bhavya Gokul
Works Cited
“APA PsycNet.” Apa.org, 2025, psycnet.apa.org/buy/2021-64696-001. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
Hodges, Margaret (Maggie), et al. “Adolescents’ Use of School-Based Health Centers and Receipt of Mental Health Supports.” Children and Youth Services Review, vol. 120, Jan. 2021, p. 105700, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105700.
Kirby, Alison. “Story Did Disservice to School-Based Health Center.” Union-Bulletin.com, 21 Feb. 2016,
www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/story-did-disservice-to-school-based-h ealth-center/article_e4816ec4-d72a-11e5-af06-637b6616014a.html. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
“The Future of School-Based Health Centers in New York – EMPIRE REPORT NEW YORK 2025® NEW YORK’S 24/7 NEWS SITE.” Empirereportnewyork.com, 2025, empirereportnewyork.com/the-future-of-school-based-health-centers-in-new-york/.