DENVER - On September 23, 2024, Lt. Governor Primavera and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care visited a school-based health center at George Washington High School to learn more about the importance of these facilities to students and communities. The Lt. Governor was joined by a student, school staff, leadership from Denver Health and Denver Public Schools, the Youth Healthcare Alliance, and Senator Janice Marchman and Representative Emily Sirota. 

“The Polis-Primavera administration has been working since day one to break down barriers to health care and these facilities are important avenues where students and staff can get important care in a convenient location. I appreciate the collaboration that goes into these centers and the opportunity it gives young people, helping them fulfill their potential,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. 

Since taking office, the Polis-Primavera administration and the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care have made Colorado a national leader in reducing health care costs. The creation of Reinsurance and Colorado Option are connecting Coloradans with insurance coverage outside of an employer while saving them money. Through the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and capping the cost of insulin at $100 per month, the administration is helping Coloradans save money on prescription drugs. Colorado is also pursuing a waiver from the federal government to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada. These are just a few of the ways Colorado is increasing access to health care while lowering costs. 

Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed SB24-034, which expands eligible uses for the grant program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) that supports school-based health centers to school-linked health services. These grants currently fund 59 operating SBHCs and four planning sites throughout Colorado. The SBHC Program also partners with other state agencies and grant programs to expand the services available in SBHCs.