Montefiore News Releases

Montefiore School Health Program, the Nation’s Largest, Most Comprehensive School-Based Health Program will Open Behavioral Health Clinics at Schools in Bronx and Westchester Counties

BRONX, NY — January 26, 2023, “I’m thrilled to announce that New York’s Leadership in Congress has secured $4.5 million in new funding for behavioral and mental health services to children in New York public schools through the Montefiore School Health Program,” said Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. This support comes as part of a 2023 federal government spending package signed by President Joe Biden late last year..

Thanks to the tireless advocacy and support of Montefiore Health System’s federal elected officials, including Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Jamaal Bowman, Adriano Espaillat, and Ritchie Torres, the Montefiore School Health Program received $4.5 million to provide behavioral health services at schools in The Bronx and Westchester. This effort was also supported by several local community leaders, including Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, State Senators Shelley Mayer and Gustavo Rivera, and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

Montefiore’s School Health Program, part of Montefiore Health System, is the largest and most comprehensive school-based health program in the nation. For 40 years, it has delivered medical care to students in public schools. Currently, 40,000 children in New York receive medical care, behavioral health services, optometry, and dentistry through a Montefiore school-based program.

This new funding will support the creation of School-Based Behavioral Health Clinics in the Bronx and Westchester counties to address the behavioral health needs of more than 10,000 students. These counties continue to experience challenges with access to, and sustainability of, outpatient behavioral health treatment. This funding will support the renovation of clinic sites and operating expenses for these critical services.

“For years, we have sought to expand our healthcare offerings beyond the four walls of the practitioner’s office so that we’re not just treating disease but also promoting overall well-being,” said Dr. Philip Ozuah, President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine. “The new funding secured by our champions in Congress will strengthen this vital program, ensuring that it reaches many more children today and for years to come.” 

Montefiore’s school-based clinics will offer comprehensive behavioral health treatment, including individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, psychiatric assessment, medication management, teacher consultation, outreach, community referral, and crisis intervention. Montefiore’s school-based providers will also work with families to help them secure access to housing, legal aid, health insurance, and food and nutritional assistance.

“We’re grateful to our Senators and Congressmembers, as well as our local elected leaders, for recognizing the value of providing behavioral health services in the Bronx and Westchester Public Schools,” said Dr. Rosy Chhabra, Director, Montefiore School Health Program. “This funding will enable us to provide physical and behavioral health care and ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”

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About Montefiore

Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and LinkedIn, or view us on Facebook and YouTube.