School-Based Health Ensures Easy Access to High-Quality Healthcare Within Schools

In rural central New York, many children live at or below the poverty level in communities where healthcare is not available. Children are among those least likely to receive routine healthcare and be insured, and most likely to require emergency medical services. Recognizing this gap in healthcare, Bassett Healthcare Network established its School-Based Health Program, the largest rural program of its kind in New York State.

Our School-Based Health Program has 22 sites in 18 school districts across four counties.  In December 2023, the program expanded with the opening of its 22nd site at Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School. The program ensures easy access within schools to high-quality healthcare services for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.  School-Based Health Program services are available to all students regardless of income.  More than 7,000 children are enrolled across the system.  

Our school-based health centers provide the following services:

• Comprehensive physical examinations
• Acute care with diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses
• Immunizations
• Chronic care for more long-term health problems, such as asthma, depression, and obesity
• Preventive and restorative dental services
• Mental health services

Bassett’s school-based health centers are located in Cherry Valley-Springfield, Cooperstown, Delhi, Edmeston, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, Laurens, Middleburgh, Milford, Morris, Richfield Springs, Schenevus, Sherburne, Sidney, South Kortright, Stamford, Unadilla Valley, and Worcester schools. The program, a vital part of the healthcare safety net for children, is managed by Bassett’s Department of Pediatrics. Pediatricians Kerri LeBlanc, MD, and William Fredette, MD, are co-directors of the program, and Jane Hamilton, RN, is clinical manager.