5 school health clinics in Brooklyn saved for one more year
Parents, officials, schools fought closures — but future is unknown
After 10 days of determined advocacy from parents, nurses, school administrators and elected officials, SUNY Downstate reversed its decision to close five School Based Health Centers (SBHCs) serving more than 4,000 students in Brooklyn when school opens in September.
Despite a looming cut in state funding, last week Downstate informed the principals at the schools located in Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill and East New York that it will not be making any changes to its school based programs as it begins the academic year. Downstate made no commitment to keep the clinics open after the end of next year, however.
A spokesperson told the Brooklyn Eagle that Downstate’s President Dr. Wayne J. Riley, has directed staff members to work with program funders and supporters to explore ways to make the centers financially viable.