Congressman Pete Visclosky announced that Valparaiso-based HealthLinc, Inc., has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to obtain a new mobile school-based health center (MSBHC) that will serve young people throughout Northwest Indiana.

According to HealthLinc, the new MSBHC will enhance medical and dental capabilities for the delivery of primary medical services and screenings, as well as dental and mental health services. HealthLinc cited statistics showing that only 46-85 percent of Indiana children receive needed vaccinations due to financial and non-financial barriers in its grant request to HRSA. The organization will use the MSBHC for site-delivered health services that will reduce these burdens on families and schools.

HealthLinc will work with various institutions of higher education, including Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University Northwest Health Sciences Division, Indiana University School of Dentistry and Purdue University-North Central to provide an experiential opportunity for health science students through the MSBHC. They will partner with Porter Starke Services, Swanson Center and Oak Lawn Community Mental Health Centers to provide integrated behavioral health services.

The grant award totals $500,000.

Posted 12/27/2012