News
August 18, 2017Whitney Young Health Announces Partnership with North Albany Academy to Serve Students with its Mobile Unit
Whitney Young Health announced Wednesday that the Center would be taking another step in its partnership with the City School District of Albany and their mobile health unit, Whitney on Wheels. Mobile health services will be offered to North Albany Academy students, teachers, and families for the upcoming school year and beyond.
Any student can receive care on the mobile unit for sick visits as well as preventative care. The goal of the program is to promote overall health of children so that they are able to fully benefit from their education. It will be available to students once a month to assist with addressing school health requirements and provide accessible health care.
“We are so excited to celebrate National Health Center Week and have the Mobile Health Unit come to North Albany Academy,” said Whitney Young Health President and CEO David Shippee. “We are proud to serve the community and the students of the Albany City District and encourage better health management among the parents and children of this school.”
“Health and success in school are closely linked. Sick children tend to miss more school than healthy ones, and we know missing too much school puts students at greater risk of failing or dropping out,” said City School District of Albany Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams. “We’re thrilled to expand our ongoing partnership with Whitney Young and grateful for their efforts to keep Albany children healthy and in school.”
“Now more than ever before New York State is taking a comprehensive review of a child’s environment rather than just the classroom when it comes to education,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III. “As a health care professional I know firsthand that outside issues impact learning in the classroom. The Whitney Young mobile unit is a critical tool in helping our children not only with their physical health but also with other components that impact their lives. I believe this will lead to a healthier student overall.”
“A child’s education always comes first, and their time in the classroom is essential,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. “Having a new mobile health unit serving students will ensure more consistent well-visit checkups and minimize time out of the classroom. Many thanks to Whitney Young Health for their dedication to keeping our schools healthy.”
“The mobile health unit will provide an invaluable service to North Albany Academy students, teachers, and families,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “Thank you to Whitney Young Health and the Albany City School District for their commitment to our residents’ health and well-being.”
The event, in celebration of National Health Center Week also included tours of the Mobile Unit so potential patients could experience the services first hand. Whitney Young Health also has partnerships with Giffen Elementary, Peter Schuyler Achievement Academy and Sheridan Preparatory Academy.
Currently, Whitney on Wheels already visits Myers Middle School, Marillac Family Shelter and Albany Housing Authority. Starting in September, it will serve Rehabilitation Support Services on Central Avenue, Trinity Alliance, Hospitality House and Hope House.
Whitney Young Health accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, CDPHP, MVP, Fidelis and Wellcare.
