Hand-In-Hand For Health & Learning
Hand-in-Hand for Health & Learning is a health care access pilot project initiated in 2000 by PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in collaboration with Everson Elementary School (Nooksack Valley School District). Beginning January 2003, Kendall Elementary School (Mt. Baker School District) will be developing its own Health & Learning program in collaboration with the hospital.
The primary goal of this pilot project is to develop a model that eliminates health problems as a barrier to student learning. The first step is to ensure that all students and their families in the two elementary schools have health insurance, a "medical home," and access to dental services. The second step will be to ensure adequate education regarding the importance of good nutrition and exercise, and access to behavioral health services.
The Hand-in-Hand approach begins by establishing a method of collecting information whereby a team of people in the respective elementary schools can identify families that might need assistance securing health insurance, a medical home and access to dental care. Education programs are established in collaboration with the parent body.
Everson Elementary School is in a rural community and serves a large migrant population, nearly a quarter of the total 250 children. Approximately 60% of the student population is enrolled in the "free or reduced lunch" program. Kendall Elementary School serves 622 preschool through sixth grade children. This diverse student population includes 35% Slavic Immigrant children and 76% "free or reduced lunch" recipients. The Kendall community is home to the most densely populated Slavic community in the country.
Both the Everson and Kendall areas are isolated from employment opportunities, service providers, and healthcare. Language, poverty and isolation prevent families from successfully accessing healthcare services.
