Does Lewiston-Auburn know that Lewiston High School, Lewiston Middle School, Auburn Middle School and Edward Little High School have school-based health centers?

School-based health centers deal with many aspects of a child’s life. They provide holistic care by treating the physical, emotional and social problems that students are facing.

We all know that students learn better when they attend school, and are engaged in learning. Too many students are missing school, or are unable to focus on their learning due to health-related factors.

One of the best ways to address this problem is in the schools. That is what school-based health centers (SBHCs) can do.

I have seen and worked with the staff at the school-based health centers in Lewiston-Auburn. The staff is dedicated to keeping our children safe and healthy.

I urge parents, and all community members, to visit these health centers in L-A’s communities. I urge parents and guardians of students in our middle schools and high schools to sign their children up for the centers. We want students to succeed, today and always. We must encourage members of the Maine’s Legislature to make school-based health centers a priority on the state agenda.

Our children are our future. They need access to health care.

Ronella Paradis, Lewiston

Editor’s note: The writer is a member of the SBHC advisory committee for the Lewiston and Auburn school districts.