New Health Clinic Opens at Justice Sotomayor School
Inauguration of Saint Joseph’s School-Based Health Clinic Enhances Health Services for Yonkers Students
On March 12, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new Saint Joseph’s School-Based Health Clinic, located at the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community School in Yonkers. This significant event brought together key figures, including Michael J. Spicer, President and CEO of Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, and Aníbal Soler Jr., Superintendent of Yonkers Schools.
“This opening represents a proud moment for us as we enhance our commitment to providing accessible healthcare,” stated Spicer. “Since the inception of our school-based health centers in 1989, we have aimed to deliver free, quality health services to high-risk children. This initiative has become an essential facet of the healthcare infrastructure in Yonkers.”
Mayor Spano emphasized the importance of community collaboration in fostering healthy environments for children. “It takes a village to raise our children,” he remarked, acknowledging the partnership with Saint Joseph’s Medical Center as pivotal to advancing both behavioral and physical health services. “This clinic will bolster support for families and students, reinforcing the link between health and educational success. Healthy children are more likely to thrive in school.”
Yonkers Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler Jr. underscored the innovative community school model that the Sotomayor school represents. “The integration of education with on-site healthcare and family support services is transformative. Families can now access both medical care and mental health counseling within the educational environment, enhancing holistic support for our students,” he explained.
Saint Joseph’s School-Based Health Clinics deliver a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services. These include the diagnosis and treatment of acute and minor health issues, routine management of chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes, and full health histories alongside comprehensive physical examinations. Additionally, services extend to laboratory testing, immunizations, developmental and mental health screenings, and preventive health counseling. Dental screenings and referrals for preventive dental care are also provided.
The opening of this clinic adds to Saint Joseph’s existing network of primary care facilities, which already operates in five Yonkers public schools, catering to students from pre-k through 8th grade. This initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to addressing health disparities in the community and underscores the vital role that access to healthcare plays in educational achievement and overall well-being.
As the collaboration between local government, educational institutions, and healthcare providers continues to evolve, the Saint Joseph’s School-Based Health Clinic stands as a critical resource for students and families in Yonkers, fostering a healthier and more supportive environment for future generations.
