Montefiore Unveils Its 34th School-Based Health Clinic for Bronx Students

Montefiore Opens Its 34th School-Based Health Clinic for Bronx Students

On May 2, 2025, Montefiore Health System proudly inaugurated its 34th School-Based Health Clinic (SBHC) located at IS 229 in the Bronx. This facility stands as a pivotal part of the Montefiore School Health Program (MSHP), which is recognized as the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the nation. The clinic is designed to cater to the health needs of around 525 students from IS 229 and the adjacent PS 274, offering a wide array of services that include medical, mental health, dental, and vision care—all at no cost to families.

The initiative comes at a crucial time when many students, especially those with chronic health conditions, may face barriers to accessing necessary healthcare. With services available both in-person and virtually, these clinics aim to provide seamless health support that integrates into the educational setting, ensuring that students can receive care without having to miss school or burden their families financially.

Dr. Rosy Chhabra, PsyD, Director of the Montefiore School Health Program and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of this new model of care led by a nursing team. “This clinic represents our commitment to expanding our integral services to more students in the Bronx,” she stated during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Access to integrated health services within school grounds is critical for the academic success of students, particularly when recent studies indicate that over one in four children in the U.S. has faced chronic absenteeism—missing 18 or more days of school. By offering at-school healthcare, these clinics significantly reduce health-related absences and alleviate the stress on families who might otherwise need to take time off work for medical appointments.

Montefiore's School Health Program has illustrated a remarkable reduction of 40% in students needing to return home due to illness, a statistic that underlines the effectiveness of such initiatives. Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who attended the clinic’s opening, remarked, “This new health center is a milestone for the Bronx community and will greatly impact students and their families. It symbolizes hope for future success and achievements.”

For over 40 years, Montefiore has been at the forefront of providing essential health services in educational institutions, addressing the physical, social, emotional, and environmental factors that affect children's health. Dr. Chhabra noted, “With our new clinic at IS 229, we now provide healthcare services to over 40,000 young students—about one in four students across the Bronx. We’re committed to building a solid foundation for children and preparing them for a bright and healthy future.”

Montefiore Health System, a leading academic healthcare network in New York, manages care for approximately three million people in the Bronx, Westchester, and Hudson Valley. The system is comprised of 10 hospitals and over 200 outpatient care centers, with the latest clinical innovations stemming from its research arm, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Its commitment spans various specialties, from pediatric care to adult health, making it a comprehensive resource for the community.

As Montefiore continues to extend its services, both within schools and throughout the community, it sets the standard for how integrated health systems can make a positive impact on public health and educational outcomes in underserved areas.

For more information about Montefiore Health System, visit www.montefiore.org. Follow them on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or catch updates on Facebook and YouTube.